Field Trips
That would be great, but we are no loner alound. Why is that?
Hi Chris:
The benefit of field trips is it opens the eyes of students to the real world of...whatever they're studying. Most have some idea of what the work setting may be like, but until they see it first hand, their imagination of what it is like can only take them so far.
Field trips can be truely inspiring, thus motivating some students to strive for improved effort and performance in their studies. Also, field trips can provide an opportunity for students to ask questions, resolving things they may have wondered about for a while. And often the tour guide or speaker will help validate information that's been presented in the class, which helps reinforce important points the teacher may have been emphasizing.
I think your activities, whether on a hot set, or your productions create ab terrific opportunity for students to begin to get a feel for the craft they're involved with. VGedry creative. Good job!
Regards, Barry
I teach film production and also work in the field. We can usually arrange for our students to spend a day on set and experience what it's like (how hard the work is) to spend 12 hours on a film set. Many of our students can't do a whole day on set and it's difficult enough to arrange.
What I do sometimes instead is to create a smaller or in-class production for a non profit where we can use several class periods to shoot something for the community at large.
If the big trip doesn't seem to work out, we make our own so to speak.
What do you think about that?
Hi Mike:
You're right, sometimes a lot of planning and effort is required. The benefit to the student is the reward for for your effort. From a student perspective, field trips are among the most memorable and sometimes most significant activities they may expierence. To the degree we can, putting in the effort is worth it for the students.
Regards, Barry
Field trips in theory are great, but unless all students fill out all the forms, etc, they are difficult to plan and incorporate (esp. with zero extra time and no flexibility in the schedule
Hi David:
I agree. At least, I believe the potential for motivation is there. The only time the field trip fails is when it is ill-timed, poorly planned (the host has little idea of the purpose), or the student is not prepared to receive the benefit (tired, unfamiliar with terms, disinterested because they don't want to be in school in the first place). Most times, the field trip is a big hit.
Regards, Barry
I believe that any field trip to a students future place of employment will act as a motivating experience.
Hi Laquita:
Field trips take time and effort to schedule, plan, and carry out. But the benefit to the student is memorable and unique. We should do more field trips, as time and resources allow.
Regards, Barry
Rene:
Follow up is a good way to make the field trip more meaningful and tied into your course content. Perhaps you do this already, but if not, assessing students afterwards can be quite instructive. I will even give the questions I'm going to ask beforehand so the students will be on the look out.
Regards, Barry
yes i agree let the students see how the real world is.
Andrea:
Well, I just posted a comment about motivation, so it sounds like we're on the same path. I believe students pay attention, attend class, and do their asssignments when they're interested in the material or see some benefit for them. In this way, field trips can contribute to that inner sense of wonderment at what posssibilities await the prepared graduate. So, field trips are a great thing.
Regards, Barry
Andrea:
These are great ideas, and when a teacher is able to schedule them , wonderful experiences. They're memorable, can be inspiring, and contribute to improved morale and motivation by students who may feel just "so-so" about their classes.
Regards, Barry
Since I teach in one of the LCBC, our field trips can include visiting well know restaurants and kitchens. Also, visiting large production kitchens and/or enviroments.
Also a break from being in class for entire four hours which can sometimes affect retention because students get drained from attending school 5 days a week for four full hours. I think more field trips would actually help retention and be a great motivation to students.
It would be nice to have more field trips in the institutional setting. Especially in the healthcare field taking students to hospitals, doctors offices would give them a great hands on experience.
Hi Kerry:
Sounds like there is some institutional reason that limits field trips. It may a liability issue (insurance), corporate policy, or an effort to keep students focused on studies offered only on campus.
Regards, Barry
