OSHAWA, Ont. - An exchange program involving Durham College and local high schools will ultimately help students better prepare themselves for the realities - and the many rewards - of college life.
Building Connections, a project involving 23 Durham College professors and 45 teachers from the Durham District School Board and the Durham Catholic District School Board, marked the end of its first phase earlier this month. Phase II will continue in the new year with the participation of teacher candidates from the School of Education at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) in Oshawa. "It's been great in showing teachers everything the college has to offer," says Joni Heard, the Staff Development Coordinator for the Durham District School Board. "Many of the teachers may not have had a college experience themselves, so they really need this exposure."
The project began last June with a half-day orientation session, and was followed by one-day exchanges by each participant from September to November. During their visits, teachers toured college facilities, met with individual professors, observed classes in session, and, in some cases, participated in class planning and delivery. College professors visited high school classrooms to observe and to act as guest speakers.
"There have always been myths about what life after high school can be like, and I think this will help dispel some of those myths among students," said Craig Burch, Director of Education for the Durham District School Board.
"This is a really exciting project," added Paul Pulla, a Superintendent of Education with the Durham Catholic District School Board. "It is truly impacting on our schools, our teachers, and our students, and the feedback shows the project can be sustained for a long time."
Dr. Gary Polonsky, President of Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, also voiced his support for the program. "We get thousands of students from you every year, and they are just tremendously well prepared," he said at a campus reception celebrating the first phase of the program. "But if we work together even better," he added, "then students will benefit - and that's what it's all about."
Teachers said the experience was an eye-opener, and will help them better communicate to students the benefits of a college education. It will also help to ensure that students have more realistic expectations about college. "Students need to understand when they leave high school that the day-to-day interest that teachers have is not necessarily what they'll see at the post-secondary level," said Leroy Clarke, a Grade 11 and 12 computer science and computer engineering teacher at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School in Whitby. "They need to have more independence to take care of their own learning."
Several teachers said that, among other things, they have told students that college is more hands-on than university, that professors do not police attendance, and that the rules around deadlines are much more strict than high school. "It gave me a chance to see what I teach that they really need," said Sharon Worsley, a math teacher at Henry Street High School in Whitby. "I can spend more time on what they need."
College professors reported that the program gave them a better understanding of the expectations of students at the high school level and, as a result, a better understanding of student behaviour at the college level. They also said they gained an improved understanding of the Grade 11 and 12 curriculum, as well as evaluation methods.
In phase 2 of Building Connections, the organizers will try to get more students involved in exchanges, and hope to extend the program to Grade 7 and 8, "where career discussions start," said Kathy Rhodes, a Curriculum Liaison Specialist at Durham College, and the project coordinator.
The program was initiated by the Council of Ontario Directors of Education and the Committee of Presidents, part of the Association of Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology of Ontario. Funding was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
About Durham College
For 35 years, Durham College has been committed to providing job-focused programs, accomplished professors, quality-driven innovation, student success, and superior accountability. More than 5,600 full-time students and 23,000 part-time students are enrolled at Durham College. For more information, visit the Web site at www.durhamcollege.ca, or call 905.721.2000.
Media contact:
John Schofield
Communications and Marketing, Durham College
john.schofield@durhamc.on.ca
905.721.3111 ext. 2162
Disclaimer: The contact information provided in archived news releases was current at the release date. For current information please contact Communications and Marketing.