Experiential Learning Showcase: Jinping Liao

At Canadore College, experiential learning plays a central role in preparing students for meaningful careers. For Jinping Liao (She/Her), a student in the Early Childhood Education program, hands-on experiences have shaped both her skills and her purpose as a future educator.

Through practical labs such as Outdoor Education, Creative Arts, and Literacy and Language, Jinping developed skills she could immediately apply in the field. When she later visited a forest school, she was surprised to see how closely the activities aligned with what she had learned in class — reinforcing the strength of her training.

A key part of the program is its three-placement model. Each placement provided experience with different age groups and agencies, allowing her to apply new knowledge right away and reflect on her growth. After her first placement, she gained the confidence to apply for a supply educator role at a daycare, where she continues to work and broaden her experience.

These opportunities also revealed the realities of the field. While Canadore’s labs are highly practical, Jinping noticed that not all best practices are consistently implemented in real settings. Rather than discouraging her, this insight strengthened her commitment to improvement and leadership in early learning environments.

Jinping chose Early Childhood Education because she believes that “a nurturing childhood can give a lifetime of strength and confidence.” A moment she witnessed years ago solidified her calling: “If I want to make this world better, then I have to start from young children.”

Her advice to fellow students reflects that passion: position yourself as a future educator, take initiative during placement, stay curious, and keep reading. For Jinping, experiential learning is more than career preparation — it is the foundation for creating meaningful change.