A design for the implementation of cooperative education in the liberal arts: Cooperative studies at the university of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada

Abstract

Cooperative education in the liberal arts has a history, is triving in the present, and can look to a promising future. However, in order to move beyond the traditional concepts and classical models, postsecondary liberal arts institutions not only will have to look to present models and experimental formats, but also will have to assess their own idiosyncratic variables and develop appropriate personalized frames of reference. The methods developed at the University of Lethbridge reflect the committment to the criterion of academic quality, high faculty input and participation, on-site supervision, and an optimal range of vocational experiences recognized through the awarding of significant amounts of degree credit. In conjunction with these qualities is the university-wide committment to a “small” and personalized approach based upon student-developed learning objectives.