The evening of the federal elections, students in political science in arts and sciences exchanged the classroom for the editorial hall – joining the world news Decision Canada office to help project the results of the race during live national broadcast.
This practical learning experience was a first collaboration between Global News and teacher u of t Semra SeviWho research elections and vote in Canada.
“Students had the unique opportunity to work side by side with producers, applying knowledge in class in an INJULES and real group framework,” explains Sevi, assistant professor at Department of Political Science at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
“I cannot think of a more exciting place to be elections in the evening only behind the scenes in the editorial room, helping to call the results and shape the cover of such a historic moment. They were absolutely delighted to be involved. ”
The students analyzed the number of votes, followed the constituencies and contributed to the decision -making in real time, identifying the winners according to the incoming results. Certain moments have called to shout above the DIN of the editorial hall – announcing sudden flips or notable trends, sometimes winning the praise of a producer.
Major in political science and member of College of St. Michael Lucas Sousa liked to be part of the narration behind the electoral coverage.
“If we have spotted a potential flip or a trend emerging from a notable candidate – like a long -standing conservative bastion which is leaning for liberal, or Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mélanie Joly Liberal, we have reported.
To prepare for the rapid rhythm of the electoral, Global and Sevi night led two days of rehearsals to train students. Each student, working solo or small teams, was responsible for monitoring around thirty constituencies. They were twinned with a producer to help report any important development over the night.
The students had their say to say what the driving to be monitored, with a lot of choices of constituencies, they were or curious. High -level districts were distributed among the group – like Toronto – St. Paul’s, who returned to the Liberals after a surprise conservative victory during a previous election.
As in class, the students raised their hands when they had potential constituencies to call, and Sevi examined the data before giving them the Greenlight to transmit their updates to the producers. A few moments later, the station’s anchors would share these ideas live.
Major in third year political science and member of Trinity College Zain Al Naji says that the observation of the survey data took place helped her connect the points between the concepts in which she learned in Sevi’s election and voting courseAnd how the candidates she knows
“People assume that women get less votes, but in class, we have learned that this is not necessarily supported by historical data. Niki Ashton, the president of the NPD, for example, has won the vote in his Manitoba in the past 17 years!” she said. “Although this election, it seemed to lose her seat against Rebecca Chartrand of the Liberals – which was fascinating to follow in real time.”
For Hummie, an international Malaysia student who graduated in June, experience was a real education in the Canada electoral process.
“It is one thing to do the readings in class, and another to see how the elections are going,” explains Hiltie, member of New college who followed Sevi’s experiences in political science. “As an adult in statistical sciences, see how data translate into media coverage have been revealing.”
He appreciated the thrill of such a rapid and consecutive environment, where decisions have an immediate effect. “When you click on the green” E “for” elected “and you see this on live television – this is the most exciting feeling!”
While the results continued to ride in the past, the students were in the editorial hall for some of the most worthy moments of the night, the leader of the conservative party Pierre Hairy losing his candidate for Ottawa and the candidate of the Green Party Elizabeth May by winning her seat, at the NPD of the status of the Federal Party – and finally, Mark Carney being officially declaring the Prime Minister of Canada.
The rush to be in the midst of action and to play a significant role in the democratic process prompted students to reflect on post-diploma routes. Al Naji, who is mine Nearby civilizations and the Middle East And Diaspora and transnational studiessaid that the opportunity has expanded its career considerations.
“I thought of international relations or diplomacy, but now I have gone with great respect for the work of the media. It takes a village to carry out a new news program, working perfectly to do things well and do well under pressure.”
Sousa, who graduated in June, says that experience has solidified his dream of being a journalist.
“I worked at The academicAnd now in the global editorial room, this environment is the place where I feel most like me. It really looks like something early.