Visiting Fellows

Emma Bourassa

July 27 - August 19, 2016
August - September 2014

Emma has been an educator for 19 years, over which time she has taught everything from kindergarten P.E. to post degree Teaching English as a Second Language teacher training. Over the last 9 years, Emma has been involved with the initial Center for Teaching and Learning which is now the Center for Student Engagement and Learning Innovation at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, B.C.

Her contributions to the Center, among other topics, include developing workshops and programs for Interculturalizing Curriculum. In 2014 she received the Faculty Award for Excellence in Internationalization. Project work includes curriculum and delivery for visiting Chinese teachers who are interested in a Canadian approach to teaching, English as a Foreign language curriculum for Chilean teachers, with a focus on Leadership and professional development, and most recently she was the Lead Researcher and Team Lead Curriculum and Materials Developer and Field Test Instructor for an innovative English as a Second Language program.

Emma’s research has focused on the student experience. Her Master of Education research involved becoming an international student to investigate curriculum and pedagogy. Her publications include Culturally Diverse Learners videos (an Open Education Resource), Intercultural Communication training materials, Examining how a Canadian model of Prior Learning Assessment Recognition can be applied in a foreign context (Myanamar), and English as a Second Language curriculum in numerous contexts. Current research investigates faculty perceptions of the efficacy of a professional development program at TRU.

Most recently Emma has been delving into online learning. When she isn’t learning or teaching, she is outside, enjoying the four seasons of Kamloops, or she is adventuring in a country new to her.

Emma is a member of the Educational Developer Caucus. She met some of the Centre for Teaching and Learning folks at UWindsor a few years ago when she participated in the 5 day Teaching Dossier/Educational Developer dossier program. She is looking forward to getting to know them better and is very excited to be learning from and collaborating with the team at University of Windsor during her stay in August and September.