Experience-Based Learning

Effective teaching and learning takes a variety of forms, therefore, courses in the School of Human Kinetics incorporate a wide range of teaching strategies in order to foster students’ understanding and application of the concepts explored in classes. One of the most effective techniques used to maximize and operationalize student learning is Experience-Based Learning (EBL). EBL provides students with an opportunity to practice and apply knowledge and skills they have learned in classroom settings in 'real-world' environments. In the School of Human Kinetics, students have the opportunity to participate in EBL experiences in a variety of ways. All courses providing EBL opportunities require attendance at regular lectures, or seminars, and all require successful completion of all course evaluation components, as well as successful completion of the EBL experiences.

1. IN-COURSE EBL: In addition to lab experiences, some courses also include EBL involving outside agencies. The EBL component may consist of a required amount of fieldwork hours with an outside agency however, EBL is not the primary focus of the course (HKIN 362, HKIN 369, HKIN 415, HKIN 499).
2. FIELDWORK EBL: Courses which focus on EBL as a primary method of learning and evaluation. These courses focus on a fieldwork experience in an outside agency. (HKIN 454A Athletic Training,. 454B Kinesiology and Health Science, 454C Physical & Health Education)
3. INTERNSHIP EBL: Full-time (32 hours per week/13 week) field work experience in an outside agency (HKIN 455).

HKIN 362 - Adapted Physical Activity

This course discuss topics relevant for programming physical activity for persons with disabilities; a developmental, lifelong approach to programming. This course includes a field work component. The practicum is 16 hours and involves hands-on experience with an individual or group who have a disability / disabilities in one or more of the following … cognitive, psychomotor, behavioral, communication and / or social. The location may be education, clinical or community based but students, clients / participants must be involved in physical activity and / or sport. The practicum is student selected and based on individual interests, future goals, past experiences, and schedule. A list of suggested placements will be available and must be confirmed with the instructor prior to commencement of the placement. Weekly involvement is preferred. Completion of the practicum is essential for success in the course and will receive a “S” for satisfactory fulfillment of this requirement. A supervisor will complete a written evaluation. In addition, two written reports (10% each) are required which are worth 20% of your total grade. Detailed guidelines are provided with the course outline and other assignment requirements.

HKIN 369 - Instructional Analysis and Design in Sport and Physical Activity Programs

Instructional design and technologies applied to sport and physical activity programs. This class includes field work with students from a local school.

HKIN 415 Examination of developmentally appropriate conceptual and tactical approaches to team game instruction

Students experience 15 hours of field work.

HKIN 454 - Field Experience - 3 credits

The School of Human Kinetics recognizes field experience as an integral component of the educational process. HKIN 454 is designed to provide opportunities for students to apply theoretical concepts in ‘real world’ practical settings and gain valuable experience in a variety of professional settings. HKIN students are expected to complete a minimum of 30-40 hours in the fieldwork setting. These environments provide optimum climates for professional growth and they provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills, team skills, problem-solving skills and, at the same time, make a contribution to the agencies in which they are placed.

The School offers several sections of HKIN 454 with each section having a specific placement focus. In addition to the year standing prerequisite requirement, each section also requires specific prerequisite third-year course work. Students who wish to enroll in a 454 section must have at least third year standing and also have completed the required third year course prerequisites listed below.

All sections of HKIN 454 are supported by a weekly seminar at which attendance is mandatory. Evaluation instruments include completion of a course journal, seminar research and presentation, seminar participation, final written examination, and satisfactory completion of the fieldwork as documented by the placement agency. Students in all sections of 454 must achieve a satisfactory standing in the fieldwork evaluation in order to obtain course credit.

Currently, there are three sections of HKIN 454 available to students:

• HKIN 454A - Athletic Training: Prerequisite - 3rd year standing and HKIN 361. Fieldwork experiences are gained through placement with Thunderbird Varsity teams in the UBC Department of Athletics.
• HKIN 454B - Kinesiology and Health: Prerequisite - 3rd year standing and highly recommended HKIN 303, 353, and 464. Students determine their own fieldwork placement agency which must be approved by the course instructor. Placement settings are expected to be in the areas of health and fitness.
• HKIN 454C - Physical Education and Health: Prerequisite - 3rd year standing and HKIN 369. This section of HKIN 454 is offered in conjunction with the UBC Learning Exchange, Community Service Learning Project. Students are placed in inner city schools in downtown Vancouver where they are expected to make a substantial contribution to the school community.

HKIN 455 - Field Work and Field Research Practicum - 15 credits

HKIN 455 is a 15-credit course, open to all students. Students spend approximately 32 hours per week in a work placement, 8 hours per week on projects and attend a 3-hour weekly seminar at UBC (currently scheduled in Winter Term 1 only). Students are exposed to practices of a number of different organizations, develop their own skills and networks, and apply knowledge learned in many of their undergraduate courses. This is shared with their classmates in a weekly seminar. Students gain experience in applied projects by conducting a study of interest to the placement organization. Students must apply and be accepted in order to complete this full-time, full-term practicum. Students who are accepted to a HKIN 455 Field Research Practicum are not permitted to complete any other course work in that term.  Prerequisites for HKIN 455 are 4th Year standing, the completion of HKIN 371 and 373 and application acceptance. An information meeting will be held during the school year. Click here for detailed information.

Research Opportunities

There are a number of excellent opportunities for undergraduate students to work in a Human Kinetics research lab.

HKIN 499 Projects in Human Kinetics - 3 credits

HKIN 499 is designed to provide opportunities for students to perform independent research in a chosen area of study in Human Kinetics.  Students in all three programs may choose to take HKIN 499 as an HKIN elective. Students wishing to enroll in HKIN 499 must be in 4th year and (1) seek out a faculty member who will approve and supervise the 499 project; (2) read the HKIN 499 Policies and Procedures sheet, and (3) complete a 499 contract. Graduate students cannot take HKIN 499 for graduate credit.

Summer research opportunities

• NSERC provides some support for undergraduate students who are looking for opportunities to gain lab experience in the summer (go to the NSERC website for more information).
• Volunteering: Many labs will consider accepting volunteers. This will depend on the types of projects, availability of people to assist in training. You may find something at UBC’s ROAD site.
• Drop by for a visit: Researchers and graduate students love to talk about their work. Contact a lab that sounds interesting to you and ask if you can arrange a visit. You can find E-mail addresses and lab phone numbers on the HKIN faculty listings.
• Labs are often looking for research subjects. You can find notices posted in our buildings, can ask one of the grad students or click on the link on the School's home page.