The University of Alberta is introducing a more community-integrated method of teaching into the curriculum of some of its programs.
The purpose of this new development is to try and engage students in their field of study in more interesting and complicated ways and hopefully inspire them to think critically and ask more questions.
The root of this movement stems from research done by Dr. Joel Westheimer from the University of Ottawa who spoke at a workshop held at the University of Alberta yesterday.
“In the last 10 to 20 years there’s been a huge trend in schools away from the historical mission which was for education for the public good and for as necessary in a democratic society,” Dr. Westheimer said.
“For democracy to work properly, the citizens need to be educated, not just in a broad discipline and areas but in how to participate in democratic life.”
As an example of the new method: During clinical rotations at the Boyle McCauley Dental Clinic, students are able to provide services to an underserved population of the community, which will allow them to have a better understanding and compassion for people from a diverse background.
