CivicLabTO
CivicLabTO is a unique collaboration between the City of Toronto and Toronto’s post-secondary institutions including University of Toronto, York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Ontario College of Art and Design, Centennial College, George Brown College, Humber College, and Seneca Polytechnic College. The work includes the development of a new model for the city and academia to collaborate on multi-partner, multidisciplinary research that can inform policy and programs.
The CivicLabTO course brings together students from each of the eight post-secondary institutions with policy officials in City Hall to enhance students’ knowledge of how local government works and the various urban issues facing Toronto and many global cities, while also contributing to their professional development.
Various pedagogical studies have demonstrated that courses and programs about local governance and democracy influence participating students' levels of civic agency and engagement (Beaumont et al, 2006; Stockemer, 2012). For example, studies in the United States found that students who participated in well-designed programs and courses about local governance and democracy increased their political knowledge and skills, as well as volunteerism (Beaumont et al, 2006; Morris et al, 2003).
It is important to note that no studies of this nature examine such courses or students in Canadian post-secondary institutions. CivicLabTO aims to intervene in this pedagogical literature through a first-of-its kind survey in Canada to better understand how, and to what extent, this course experience has changed students’ motivation to participate in their local communities as well as their understanding of the role of local governance, urban democracy, and urban policy and planning in Toronto.
The research aims to compare students’ present and post-course knowledge levels and perceptions on the following three objectives:
Civic agency and/or consciousness : “I have the power to influence local governance and decision-making in Toronto and/or know how to do so”
Civic engagement and participation: “I will take part in civic activities that improve Toronto or my community/city”
Knowledge & awareness : “I have a general understand of how the City of Toronto works, from the roles of policy officials and departments to the different processes, policies, and programs across various sectors. I am able to apply this knowledge to my community/city. “
