The Teaching and Learning Innovation Digest - May 2023

DEDICATED TO
EDUCATING STUDENTS
With openness and inspiration
RE-ENGAGING
POST-PANDEMIC
How collaborating with students elevates the
quality of teaching and inspires lifelong learning
Mio Ha Ng
Student, Electrical Engineering Electrician,
School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science (SETAS)
Michelle Hughes, Faculty, Bachelor of Science, Nursing (BScN)
Caitlin Cosgrove and Esther Bodach, Students, School of Community and Health Studies (SCHS)
Being a student in Centennial College,
I’m always inspired by creativity, diligence
and patience by both classmates and
professors. With motivated and energetic
classmates, they’re very active in raising their
concerns when they question conceptual
problems, and I’m always encouraged by
their enthusiasm. This helps me remain
concentrated in class and more willing
to consult professors when I encounter
difficulties with specific subjects. During labs,
professors and tutors are fully engaged in
teaching us and sharing their knowledge and
experience. The lectures are exceptionally
practical and informative, organizing pertinent
and stimulating material to increase
our understanding.
Professors are extremely passionate and
good tempered while explaining theory; they
simplify concepts with real-life examples and
engineering tools which makes it vivid and
easy to understand. Labs and lectures are
tailored, made for us, and we have learned
industry relevant information. The professor
in my electrical theory course has been the
most enthusiastic and inspiring teacher for
me. In one class, he explained “permeability”
In one class, he explained “permeability” in
terms of ohm’s law for magnetic circuits and
the reason why copper wire is sealed with
polymer with engaging detail. At first, I didn’t
quite understand the primary principles, but
later he showed me that copper wires need to
be coated to allow the current to flow through
the wire or else the circuit would be shorted
with no resistance.
I have learned a lot from these classes, and
they can develop my potential in the most
practical way, preparing me for my career after
college. Centennial College enables me to
approach topics with an open mind, allowing
for significant opportunities. Surrounded by
a heavily academic atmosphere, we are
always re-energized when returning to the
winter semester.
During the pandemic, online classes accounted
for a proportion of lectures. This creates
another platform for learning. On the one hand,
the professor can make a record of teaching,
and on the other, we can prepare and review
the video material when we want. This can
improve our performance with the practice in
class and facilitate learning pace.
The idea of returning to in-person classes felt
like a distant memory while Centennial College
faculty and students spent two years online
attending classes and meetings. During the
pandemic, Centennial had to adapt to new
public health requirements to ensure the safety
of our community. In the nursing program, it
was decided to host theoretical classes online
to support students’ educational needs and
have practical labs in person to ensure the
college could continue to support students and
clinical partners in practice.
From a faculty perspective, re-engaging
with our students in person is one of
the most rewarding experiences postpandemic.
Collaborating with students raises
their voices, provides an opportunity for faculty
to gain insight into their world, advances
nursing pedagogy, and empowers students
to become our future leaders (Tavernier and
Wolfe, 2022).
Learning together with students fosters
an exchange of knowledge and facilitates
collaboration that enhances faculty-student
professional relationships and personal
growth. Promoting a collaborative learning
environment encourages students and faculty
to share diverse perspectives, enriches the
learning experience, and
opens the discussion to
facilitate meaningful change
(Wihlborg and Friberg, 2016).
Re-connecting in person
also enhances opportunities
to collaborate with students
on innovative and research projects, both
nationally and internationally. For example,
Centennial’s Applied Research Abroad
Program (ARAP) supports students and faculty
to work together on projects with international
external partners.
Students bring their own personal
experience and expertise to collaborative
projects. The synergy created between
faculty and students is beneficial for both
parties. Students can gain valuable insight and
skills from faculty that can help to prepare them
for their future careers. Faculty, on the other
hand, will get a glimpse into students’ learning
experiences and stories. The information
shared can enhance educational projects, as
well as faculty teaching methodologies
and strategies.
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