Undergraduate students at York University collaborated with students in Korea to produce multi-media presentations that make recommendations for improving social policies in both Canada and Korea.
Students in Canada’s Social Policy (PPAS 3761) taught by Professor Thomas Klassen from the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LAPS) partnered with students taught by Professor Sophia Lee at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, South Korea. (For a previous story on this collaboration, see https://yfile.news.yorku.ca/2020/11/24/york-university-undergraduate-students-collaborate-with-students-in-korea-to-study-social-policy/.)
The multi-media presentations prepared by the 10 groups of students from the two courses included student financial assistance, health care, maternity leave, childcare, social housing and income security policies.
“I’m so impressed with how much the students learned, how effectively they cooperated and how creatively they presented the findings of their research,” said Klassen.
Jennifer Santin, one of the York students, said the teamwork and collaboration were the highlights for this project. “Everyone was collegial and respectful of each other’s ideas and feedback. There was a strong work ethic from everyone and no one was made to feel as though their ideas weren’t valuable,” she said.
“The Zoom meetings went really well, and our presentation came out looking very creative and interactive,” student Gayle Tumampos added. “It was fun collaborating with students half-way across the world while learning about a different culture and making new friends.”
The top groups were awarded prizes in the form of University Bookstore e-gift cards due to generous funding from the Korean Office for Research and Education at York University which made possible the partnership between the two classes.
“This project was one I will personally never forget,” said student Vinita Kalia.
The groups posted their presentations for all classmates and others to view. The presentation on student financial aid policy is available at https://youtu.be/xEsAcPjzOxQ; and the presentation on maternity leave policy is available at https://youtu.be/iCQY_pX00q4.
“I was pleased to hear from students that, after working together, they are more confident about comparative analysis and also about conducting research with students living abroad,” said Lee.