Some of the benefits of having field trips and guest speakers include but are not limited to: getting out of the classroom and seeing the actual job the student is in training for in action, seeing the types of situations they may need to deal with in the real world, acquiring knowledge from people who have worked in the field for many years and learning from their experiences and stories.
Christina,
Rarely are students dissapointed by having the routine interrupted by a good guest speaker or a planned field trip. The ability to ask questions, view aspects of the profession not available in the classroom setting, or view themselves as workers is a memorable experience, usually long lasting, sometimes, throughout ones career.
Barry Westling
Having a guest speaking that works in the field is a great way for students to get information about the career from another direct source. It gives them the oppertunity to ask questions, get answers, and may become even more intrigued. Field trips to the facility is a great way for students to see the job in action. A great eye opener for them!
if gives students a outside view on their field of study effects of real world application
Dawn,
For guest speakers, the ability for students to ask questions is one of the great benefits of this special event. I've found students are often very bold in the type of questions they ask, and fortunately, most guest are very generous in their responses. This can be quite helpful, as usually the type of questions asked can elicit motivation and inspired actions by students as a result.
Barry Westling
Students learn about how the classroom learning fits into the real world and into the work they will be performing in jobs they may take after their time in school is over. Field trips are a different and exciting way to engage students and make the classroom learning real and relevant to them by showing them how it works in practice. Guest speakers bring their real-world experiences into the classroom to share with students, showing them the importance of the tasks and subjects they are learning. Guest speakers tie in the classroom learning with the real world of work and give students a chance to ask questions and hear about what experiences they might expect in the working world.
Kelvin,
I think the thing guest speakers provide is reinforcement and validation of what their instructor has provided, at least that's a possibility. The field trip provides the visual that can potentially amp students who have otherwise only vague ideas about what some segments of their profession offers.
Barry Westling
Gordon,
Right, and often there can be transformation of focus, where some students suddenly become inspired to do better based in part by what they saw. Al;so the break in routine can be healthy and contribute to renewed focus in class.
Barry Westling
Robert,
I find that opportunities for field trips exist, although the element of liability has diminished access in areas that once were available for tours. Students enjoy these treks, and it helps shape their thinking about aspects of the workforce not usually available to the classroom and/or lab setting.
Barry Westling
It helps students see real life aspects of their feild of study
Field trips and guest speakers help enforce the learning in the classroom to the relevance of the outside world and where the students eventually want to be. It can spark interest in aspects of the work they may not have thought of before, or simply reinforce the relevance of what they are doing in the classroom now, 'the light at then end of the tunnel'...
Field trips would allow the students to see, smell and touch the prospective workplace. However, because of potential liability to the schools field trips are not encouraged anymore. (reduced or eliminated field trips for high school and elementary mentality has spilled over in to the secondary system.)
Guest speakers allow "experts" to drive home points to the class.
Barry, I agree with you, not only do they visualize themselves working in the area they get excited about it.
Furthermore, it enables the student to generate more questions when we return to the class. After a field trip or guest speaker that is the most invigorating time to teach.
Hugh,
Great! I have rarely observed students not benefiting from engaging with guest speakers or participating in a field trip experience. The level of interest, enjoyment, and motivation that results is hard to match with just about any other activity.
Barry Westling
Sonya,
Yes, and connecting classroom to real world is something important but hard to accomplish. Therefore the field trip can help bridge otherwise vague ideas a student may have about some segment of the work setting they're being trained for.
Barry Westling
Jessica,
Field trips do offer a unique perspective, and the key to maximizing the experience is all in the planning, in my opinion.
Barry Westling
Field trips and guest speakers are an integral part of my courses. They take the student out of the world of theory and put them in the world of application of the theory. It is much like the old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words."
I definitely agree guest speakers bring real world experience and validates what is being taught in class. Field trips brings excitement and the opportunity to connect classroom instruction and real world experience as well.
Donna,
I think graduates who have secured good employment serve as excellent gust speakers! What they may lack in years of experience is usually compensated for by their energy, enthusiasm,and advice. One advantage they offer is they are familiar with the school processes and practices, and bridging the world of school to the world of work. Students are also more apt to relate to "one of their own", rather than a total stranger.
Barry Westling
fieldtrips are a great way to excite the student about the career & industry field.
