Sometimes, the best education takes place outside of the classroom.
Just ask Chatham Christian School’s John MacIntosh.
The teacher said this semester’s Grade 12 health science class got the best of both worlds – in-class and co-operative education.
The students went to four placements in Chatham-Kent – the McLauchlin Wellness Clinic in Blenheim, as well as Truly Green Nurseries, Eden Villa Retirement Resort and the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit in Chatham.
The 15 students of the class were broken up into groups of five and sent to the different location for 14 sessions per placement.
“After each placement, it would culminate with a test on the unit,” MacIntosh said.
He could not believe the student engagement, and credits the four locations for going above and beyond to offer guidance and support.
“”Having the students there is an intrusion on their business. They went out of their way to teach them about the workings of their businesses and to show them their passion,” MacIntosh said. “The places would give the students responsibilities I didn’t expect them to do. It wasn’t just make-work; it was important activities. They took a chance on our students, and our students delivered.”
He added the students were required to write weekly journals about their experiences.
“That proved to me the success of the class because the students were so enthused,” he said. “They had experiences they never would have had sitting in a classroom.”
MacIntosh said the program was such a hit that it will be offered again.
“I told the placements I can’t say thank you enough. They blew me away. They went so far beyond my expectations. They really helped my students,” he said.
