Undergraduate Programs

Learning in the Real World

"I hear, and I forget                         
I see, and I remember         
I do, and I understand."

- Ancient Chinese proverb

Students in the Faculty of Arts are encouraged to enrich their learning and understanding of the world by linking academic course work with real world experience.    Based on a pedagogical approach known as experiential learning (EL), real world learning helps students discover how complex ideas and philosophies can be used to make sense of and find solutions to real world situations. 

Real world learning starts with purposefully created experiences that are rich in the potential for learning.  Inquiry and critical reflection are tools that students use to make meaning of their experiences and observations.  We offer many ways to get involved locally and globally: volunteer at a school, participate in a Service Learning project with a local non-profit agency, go on an exchange to another university? The possibilities are endless! 
 
The end result?  Students tell us that real world learning enhances their curiosity and engagement with their academic course work, helps them build critical thinking skills, and introduces them to foundation skills for research such as observation and reflection.   As well, students learn more about their self, develop leadership skills, make a difference in their community, and get to know other students, faculty, and staff. 

"Experiential learning has enabled me to make a connection with the community, as well as my peers. It has given me the chance to get a glimpse of what my future holds outside of my post-secondary experience. I have been introduced to new ideas, concepts and perspectives within my field - as a sociologist and not just as a student here at Ryerson."

- Kasia Bulgarski, Third Year Sociology Student