Learning for Life

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ISTEP is dedicated to supporting students in the development of lifelong and lifewide learning skills, which span from formal education to career-based learning. Through courses, co-curricular opportunities, professional development and our Collaborative Specialization in Engineering Education, we are committed to advancing theory and practice in engineering and technology related work and learning.

Programming for Engineering Undergraduates

TEP328: Engineering Education (Coming 2025-26!)

Through both formal and informal mechanisms, engineers engage in the processes of teaching and learning across their careers. Drawing from the multidisciplinary field of Engineering Education, students will examine the various applications of educational theory to the engineering profession. Students will examine engineering education across five contexts: (1) undergraduate engineering education; (2) K-12 educational outreach and STEM education; (2) public education and stakeholder engagement; (4) professional education and training; and (5) Lifelong learning. Drawing from the learning sciences, educational philosophy and the sociology and history of education, students will deepen their understanding of their own learning processes, and engage in course activities that prepare them for teaching and learning in their future career as an engineer or engineering educator.

Programming for Graduates

Collaborative Specialization in Engineering Education

The Collaborative Specialization in Engineering Education is an interdisciplinary initiative designed for students within home programs in engineering or education who are interested in pursuing research in engineering education. Click here for more information (links to: https://gradstudies.engineering.utoronto.ca/research-degrees/collaborative-program-engineering-education/)

Current Faculty and Graduate Students
Programs

Options Program

The Options program supports engineering graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in exploring diverse career options. ISTEP is proud to partner with the Vice Dean Graduate on this innovative program. More information can be found here (link to: https://gradstudies.engineering.utoronto.ca/current-students/theoptionsprogram/)

Prospective Professors in Training Program (PPIT)

PPIT introduces participants to curriculum, teaching, and learning within the context of engineering education, and provides participants with learning opportunities to support the development of a research program. Participants learn about applying for academic positions and the construction of effective application materials. Finally, the program helps participants build the knowledge and tools required to balance time and resources between teaching, research, and administration. More information can be found here (link to: https://gradstudies.engineering.utoronto.ca/current-students/prospective-professors-in-training/)

TEP1203: Teaching Engineering in Higher Education

Note: this course is currently available only to students participating in the Prospective Professors in Training Program (PPIT). More information and the program application can be found at https://gradstudies.engineering.utoronto.ca/current-students/prospective-professors-in-training/

This course is designed for engineers with an interest in furthering their understanding of curriculum, teaching and learning, and in particular within the context of the engineering education. Concepts and theories in curriculum, teaching and learning, and current research in the field of engineering education will be introduced and discussed. By the end of the course, students should have an understanding of the important models, ideas, and literature that currently inform the practice of teaching in engineering and science at the university level. Using this knowledge, all participants will create a portfolio that showcases elements of course design.