Teaching and learning for real impact
At Simon Fraser University, we advance learning and teaching excellence within a research-intensive academic environment.
Recognized as Canada’s leading university for innovation, we bring innovation into the classroom through experiential learning and a faculty-led and research-informed approach to pedagogy, curriculum design and learning environments. We connect classroom learning with research activity and opportunities to help students make an impact in local and global communities.
Innovative teaching approaches
Across disciplines, faculty are developing and implementing research-informed teaching practices that foster engagement, critical thinking and active learning. These approaches transform the classroom into a space where students can connect theory with practice and build skills relevant to their disciplines.
Professor Steve DiPaola teaches one course alongside Kia, a 3D artificial intelligence model. Kia engages students in real-time discussions and ethical debates, helping students understand the capabilities and limits of AI technology.
Across every faculty, instructors are finding ways to scale teaching without compromising learning, from creative use of lecture hall space to giving students hands-on experience in doing original research.
In the Department of Archaeology, one class provides students with the unique opportunity to examine rare artifacts hands-on—analyzing their materials, designs and origins while exploring ethical and legal considerations of artifact curation.
At SFU, we educate students who will become leaders and engaged citizens—preparing them for jobs of the future and for lives of meaning, contribution and resilience. Our faculty, staff and partners are committed to this work, and to providing an excellent education and environment for students to thrive.
– Joy Johnson, President & Vice Chancellor, SFU
Extending learning beyond the classroom
At SFU, students engage with research, co-operative education, and community projects that extend learning beyond traditional classrooms. By integrating experiential opportunities, faculty create environments where students contribute to real-world knowledge, connect with communities and develop professional and research competencies.
Undergraduate research in action
SFU provides many opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research. Meet biology student Owen Kui—through the Côté Lab, he is conducting hands-on research investigating how invasive mud snails affect local sediment. Leading his own experiment on a public beach, Owen gained practical research experience while engaging with the broader community, enhancing his scientific skills and confidence as a researcher.
Experiential learning through co-op
SFU’s co-op program integrates academic preparation with real-world work placements, ensuring students are equipped with the skills, knowledge and professional competencies needed to succeed in their chosen fields.
Computing science student Mariz Fahmy completed co-op placements at Sony Pictures Imageworks and Disney, earning a film credit on KPop Demon Hunters and professional experience to help her pursue a career in technology.
Graduate student support driving impactful research
Graduate students are a critical part of SFU’s research ecosystem, which is why we offer a minimum funding guarantee and a university-wide scholarship for all PhD students.
For PhD candidate Joan Letting, who moved with her young family from Kenya to pursue a degree at SFU, this support has created a sense of belonging and allowed her to focus on her research in the School of Communication.
* World University Rankings for Innovation, 2025
† British Columbia Student Outcomes Data (2022-24) for graduates of a bachelor program at SFU
‡ SFU Institutional Research & Planning Undergraduate Student Survey, 2025