Planning for the planning school: making the case for enhanced applied learning opportunities at the University of British Columbia’s School of Community and Regional Planning

The nature and role of higher education is changing. The relationship between the University, the student, and greater society is shifting. Internal (e.g., concerns about accessibility and inclusion) and external (e.g., funding and market demands) forces are converging in a way that demands a reconceptulization of higher education and the learning process. This thesis tries to identify and integrate varying facets that contribute to the changing landscape of university education, specifically focusing on the increased interest in applied learning opportunities at the post-secondary level, and the ways in which different professional and academic programs are incorporating such opportunities into their programs. These findings are interpreted in the context of graduate planning education at the University of British Columbia's School of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP). This qualitative study is grounded in an analytical reflection informed by my own experiences as a graduate planning student, by a review of academic, professional, government, and public press literature, and by interviews with various academics, administrators, and practitioners. The thesis presents an overview of literature from the field of planning education, and an introduction to the literature of higher education. This is followed by an examination of graduate planning schools in Canada and analogous professional/academic programs in British Columbia, which provide ample evidence and support for the emerging practice of incorporating indifferent types of applied learning opportunities (e.g., co-op program, internship, and practicum). A summary of trends, models of innovation, best practice ideals, and recommendations for graduate planning education at SCARP conclude the thesis. Most importantly, the recommendation is made for the school to continue and improve its trial internship program as well as persist in exploring ways of providing applied learning opportunities to students. Programs in higher education must continue to link theory and practice in ways that best serve students in today's changing society.Applied Science, Faculty ofCommunity and Regional Planning (SCARP), School ofGraduat