This pedagogical case study examines the design, implementation, and outcomes of two Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) initiatives embedded in senior-level courses at MacEwan University in Alberta, Canada. Grounded in Kolb’s experiential learning theory and community-engaged pedagogy, the case explores how structured partnerships with community organizations can bridge academic learning with applied, real-world contexts while fostering mutual advantage. The first case focuses on an advanced quantitative methods course in which students analyze aggregated emergency call data provided by the Edmonton Police Service. Through this project, students apply statistical techniques to real municipal data, developing methodological competencies alongside place-based analytical skills tied to their local context. The second case examines a collaboration with the Mi Gente Foundation in a course on social inequalities addressing labour market precarity among Canadian immigrants. Students produce applied research outputs designed to support community programming, including employability initiatives, entrepreneurship supports, and strategic communication efforts. Across both cases, the pedagogical approach emphasizes experiential, community-engaged learning that integrates academic content with career-relevant practice. Findings from this case study demonstrate both benefits and shortcomings of WIL. The benefits highlighted include enhanced student engagement, improved quantitative and analytical skills, and strengthened understanding of social inequalities, alongside meaningful contributions to community partners. Conversely, key challenges include data accessibility, alignment of academic and community timelines, and sustaining equitable partnerships. Outcomes also provide practical insights for instructors seeking to implement community-engaged WIL models that advance experiential learning.

Authors:
Parvinder Hira-Friesen, MacEwan University, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Parvinder Hira-Friesen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at MacEwan University. Her research examines precarious employment, immigration, labour market inequality, and race and ethnicity, with a particular focus on how labour market insecurity shapes the social and economic integration of immigrants in Canada.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

Bookmark