The Future of Education

Globally, educators are increasingly turning to experiential learning to bridge gaps between theory and practice in secondary schools (Roland, 2017). This pedagogy, prevalent in high-impact frameworks such as service learning and co-operative education (co-op), is underpinned by Kolb’s (1984) four-stage cyclical model that validates learning through doing. As secondary schools respond to the demand for more meaningful post-graduation preparation, co-op has emerged as a key strategy for linking classroom learning to the world of work within Canada. In this paper, we draw upon data from a larger mixed-methods research study that examined the impact of a secondary school experiential education initiative on students within one eastern Canadian province. The question guiding the study was: What is the role of experiential education, specifically co-op, in supporting students’ career pathway development? The study is theoretically framed by Kolb’s (1984) Experiential Learning Theory (ELT). ELT provided us a framework to understand student experiences within a co-op initiative aimed at supporting secondary school students' career pathway development. Data were collected from participants across eight secondary schools that included students enrolled in the co-op program, their guardians, and teachers. This paper focused on analyzing qualitative sources which included interviews, individual and focus groups, with students and their teachers. Data analysis involved coding using a thematic analysis approach. Our analysis of the data identified four central themes: career awareness and readiness, experiential learning and engagement, accessibility (or lack thereof), and cooperative learning placement alignment. Our analysis revealed that students consistently cited co-op placements as the most influential aspect of their learning that helped them to clarify their interests, develop their confidence, and acquire career-relevant competencies. Co-op placements offer powerful, identity-shaping experiences that help students navigate the transition from school to work or further study. These experiences are credited with fostering engagement, reflective thinking, and the development of skills essential for post-secondary success. We offer recommendations for schools and jurisdictions to strengthen their implementation of co-op initiatives: prioritize access and design, scaffold career development learning supports, foster of employability skills, and coordinate resources and employer partnerships.