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Co-operative Education and Experiential Learning

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Cooperative education is a hands-on method of learning that allows students to earn secondary school credits towards their OSSD by combining in-school studies with related work experiences. The student's learning activities at the work placement are closely aligned to one or more related course(s) in which the student is enrolled or which he or she has successfully completed. The cooperative education course and the related course(s) together constitute a student's cooperative education program. Students apply to be considered for a cooperative education program during the course selection procedure and an application and interview are part of the process.

  For more information, view our High School Course Selection Guide >>  


Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning is about making connections and strengthening relationships among learning partners (students, parents, educators, community and parish). Students become engaged in authentic, real-world tasks that foster critical thinking and are anchored in big picture experiences. This allows students to make sense of their environment and their world. Experiential learning can occur inside and outside of the classroom, and is one way to differentiate instruction and provide authentic or real-world context to help all students learn. The role of the educator shifts from information-giver to facilitator or coach. Students and their teacher experience and define success together. The process of reflection and consolidation take on a greater importance as both the students and the teacher assume the responsibility for making meaning together. This shared learning and shared responsibility defines a new wave of 21st century learning. 

The Board's Student Success Department is always looking for ways of implementing experiential learning across the curriculum. Here are some more reference documents that teaching staff use to assist them in integrating experiential learning into their courses.

Calling All Employers

Are you interested in taking on a co-op student at your place of business?

Please contact the principal of the high school closest to you, or call the Ontario Ministry of Education at 1-800-387-5514 for more information about how the co-operative education program works.

  Visit our School Directory >>  

Differentiated Instruction

This type of teaching for grade 7-12 students is responsive to a student's readiness, interests and learning preferences. It allows educators and students to build new learning through connections to existing knowledge and preferred ways of working by:

  • building on success
  • anticipating and preventing problems, and
  • encouraging collaboration between educators and students.


It helps by building on the strengths and need of students to increase the likelihood that they will be engaged in their learning and be successful. 

    Read more >>  



Community and Workplace Examples

  • field trips (e.g., to a local museum as part of a history unit; may include information interviews)
  • job shadowing (students accompany an adult to a workplace to observe for a half or whole day)
  • site tours (e.g., students, with the teacher, explore a curriculum or program related topic by visiting a local business, industry, landmark)
  • visits to local secondary schools to develop awareness of programs
  • community service projects (e.g., hosting a bingo at a seniors’centre)


Other forms of experiential learning in the community and workplace include: Career Exploration Activities, Job Shadowing, Job Twinning or Work Experience/Virtual Work Experience

Differentiated Instruction Resource (2007), Ontario Ministry of Education

School and Classroom Examples

  • information interviews (e.g., students interview school staff or a relative about a curriculum topic such as ‘eating habits’ for Health and Physical Education)
  • authentic tasks (e.g., students write a story for the school newspaper, assist at a school store, plant a school garden)
  • simulations (instructional scenarios where students interact in a ‘real-world’ context defined by the teacher such as life in an early French Canadian settlement)
  • guest speakers/panels on a curriculum or program related topic (e.g., transition to high school, secondary school programs, career talks, health and safety – summer jobs)
  • community service project (e.g., food drive for local charity)


Differentiated Instruction Resource (2007), Ontario Ministry of Education