David Peacock – The Conversation

Governments and families tend to view experiential learning as a way to align student qualifications with employers’ needs through internships and co-ops. (Pexels/Olia Danilevich)

July 12, 2026

Experiential and ‘work‑integrated’ learning aren’t the same — and it matters for higher education

David Peacock, University of Alberta

For experiential learning to remain vital, it must engage communities to improve social outcomes.

If the government expanded the new $73 million Student Work-Integrated Learning program to all students it could help tackle Canada’s most intractable social problems — such as homelessness, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, affordable housing, social cohesion and intercultural understanding.

October 24, 2017

Government should expand student placements into social sector

David Peacock, University of Alberta

A new government program will create 10,000 work placements for undergraduates in only business and STEM subjects. Why not fund students to innovate in the social sector too?

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