Practical Learning at CapU

What practical learning means

Practical learning lets students gain experience in their fields and gives our community partners a range of support on their projects. It benefits CapU students and those in the community.

Practical learning can include:

• Applied research projects;
• Co-ops;
• Practicums;
• Field placements; and
• Internships or industry placements.

Practical learning, work-integrated learning and experiential learning

Across different schools, you may see the concept of practical learning spoken about differently. Some schools refer to work-integrated learning or WIL, some connect everything to "co-op" opportunities. Because the language is a bit confusing, we want to make it clear what each term means.

Practical learning and work-integrated learning can be used synonymously. They're opportunities for students to build their skills, and community partners to get student support. Students often refer to these opportunities as practical experience, work experience or practical learning. If you're a member of the community, you'll talk to our WIL team about practical learning opportunities.

Practical learning (and WIL), makes up part of the broader concept of Experiential Learning at CapU: learning by doing, inside and outside the classroom.