Experiential learning takes place when educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills and clarify values.  At Ryerson, experiential learning is embedded in the classroom, in specialized learning activities, in the community, the workplace, and in international opportunities.  Every semester, a large percentage of Ryerson students participate in some form of experiential learning related to their studies.

The Experiential Learning Office at Ryerson works in partnership with academic units, administrative units, faculty, staff and students to support the practice and scholarship of learning at Ryerson University.  The Office takes a pro-active approach to supporting effective experiential learning practices throughout the university, advocating for institutional policies and infrastructure to enhance the learning environment, promoting experiential learning activities and  being a resource and repository for current and new initiatives.

E-mail: experientiallearning@ryerson.ca
Website: www.ryerson.ca/experiential_learning

Interpersonal Skills Teaching Centre (ISTC)

The Interpersonal Skills Teaching Centre (ISTC) at Ryerson University offers a program of over 80 live, performance-based simulations designed to bring real world experience to the classroom. We also provide custom design of simulations, workshops and other experiential learning activities.

Unlike role-play exercises or interactive computer programs, an ISTC simulation involves highly skilled actors trained to portray the history, personality and physical/emotional state of a particular character. Each simulation is designed to recreate actual events that may occur in the workplace or learning environment. These powerful interpersonal interactions with simulated clients, consumers, team members, employers and employees enable students to react in real-time at a high level of authenticity. The most unique feature of an ISTC simulation is the immediate, behavior-based feedback participants receive from the simulator regarding their interpersonal communication skills.

The ISTC team includes a part-time Coordinator, a part-time Administrative Coordinator, two trainers and an ever expanding roster of actors. The Office reports to Katherine Penny, Director, Experiential Learning Office. The Office is located in the Sally Horsfall Eaton building, 99 Gerrard St. E., Room 671.

Contact the ISTC to explore how you can use simulation to create an exceptionally engaging, inspiring learning experience.

E-mail: istc@ryerson.ca
Website: www.ryerson.ca/istc