Bringing guest speakers into the classroom not only makes the lesson more interesting but it gives the students the oportunity to a different perspective and conecting everything being taught to the outside world (field of choise). Going on field trips gives the students a chance to conect with thieir field of choise. If that trip involves hands on it gives them a snese of reasurance that they have made the right choise.
Hi Lorranine:
Good comments. Guest speakers can also validate information you've shared and that tends to build trust and respect for the teacher.
Speakers bring a dynamic to the class not easily duplicated by other instructional activities. They can inspire and motivate. My observations are students have never not benefited from guest speakers.
You do have a point in being just a little selective or at least careful about who is invited in.
Regards, Barry
I teach medical students and guest speakers in the field help them to realize that they too will soon be a professional in their field. They ask lots of questions about the "real world" they will be entering when they join the work force. Speakers should be chosen wisely in order to make a good impression on the students. Former graduate students are a good choice because you already know how they will impact the class. Lorraine
Hi Adelaida:
Students can get motivated by both of these activities.
Speakers are effective in giving details while field trips let the student visualize with their own eyes a potential future for themselves and their families.
So the motivation comes from within as much as something given. Students can asipre to achieve a better future for themselves by these relatively simple academic activities.
Regards, Barry
Field trips will help them see and appreciate the envinronment of where they're going with their career.
Speakers, will help motivate students.
Hi Maria:
You're right about the impact these two activities can provide.
I'll suggesst that even newly graduated students who are working can be terrific guest speakers. They are often more willing, have current gap knowledge (school-real world work experience), and are usually very enthusiastic.
I would consider recent grads along with the other seasoned speakers you may have on your list of participants.
Regards, Barry
Hi Benny:
You're right about some student's "interest aroused" by th field trip experience.
A student can more of a certain kind of learning from a field trip then they ever could in a classroom. The inner emotions and motivations can be stirred up to such a degree that some students become "unstoppable".
When an activity is that powerful, I'll take it anytime.
Regards, Barry
Hi Patricia:
The eye-opening experience of the field trip is hard to duplicate in the classroom. The "peek" into the real world can be very motivational, as some students may only have vague ideas about all aspects of the profession they're training for.
Networking "connections" couldn't hurt if that opportunity is available. One important thing is to make sure students thank (in person, email, or written letter) the coordinator of the field trip for the experience. That'll make a good impression as well.
Regards, Barry
Going out to field trip, students experience what is out there in the real world and give them a good experience, same thing having guest speakers, hearing from somebody with a lot experience is motivating our students to do more and will have inspiration from the great experienced speakers.
Field trips gives the students a firsthand experience of whats new and updated versions of something we teach in the classroom. It may also arouse the students interest on the subject and could serve as motivation in their inner self.
Meeting with and talking to actual people in the field of study enables the students to envision themselves in the career they are training for. Making connections never hurts!
Hi Lisa:
Having a different voice is good and does offer some variety.
For me, the main thing students get is an inspired view of the work setting thet'll soon be a part of. That can be quite motivational! Students are more willing to try harder in class as a result too!
Regards, Barry
They get a break from the classroom, with their classmates and instructor. They also get a chance to experience first hand what happens on the job. It gives the students the sense of excitement, they have an environment to look forward to when they are ready to begin their career.
Hi Eon:
You're right about so many positive attributes that could be commented on.
For the field trip, students get out of their comfort zone and for some, maybe even for the first time, begigin to realize some of the realities that'll be coming their way as they progress in the profession. Could be a little scary.
But more often, I think some student get really jazzed from the field trip experience. Realizing they will soon be a part of this profession. Motivated? You bet! A vision of a potential career that will brig happiness and satisfaction to someone who has not experienced that in the past can be a very powerful inspiration, which can lead to better class performance, focus, attention, and participation.
I'll take that any day!
Regards, Barry
Hi Tiffany:
Yes, and the field trip is an excellent way to achieve this goal.
Field trips can give the student a perspective about their chosen profession that really can't be taught or provided in a classroom setting. This activity motivates students because it's very close to the real world of work their studying for.
Regards, Barry
Hi Marsa:
Good use of readily available resources for a very important activity.
What graduates can provide is proof that getting through school is possible, and that there are tangible rewards for students who pursue their education seriously. As you have probably observed, graduates are often very upbeat, passionate, and share their personal stories with excitement. Creating that vision in a students mind (a vision of a possible future that promises hope for a better life for them and their families) is a powerful stimulus to learn, study, and maybe improve their commitment to school. I'll take that anytime!
Regards, Barry
Hi Lisa:
Guest speakers bring a dimension to the students that is just about impossible to duplicate in the classroom or lab. Same is true for field trips.
The thing that makes these activities special is that information shared provides unique insight into the world or profession the students are training for. This can be magically motivating and inspiring for many students, some who may only have vague ideas about what to expect.
Also, it's a different "voice", and many times the guest will validate information the teacher has previously discussed. That contributes to more trust and respect.
Regards, Barry
Hi Deandra:
Yes! These recent grads who are now succesful workers can be quite convincing and prove that it's possible to get through school and achieve a higher level of achievement in their lives and families. Seasoned workers as guest speakers can do this as well but sometimes may give too much reality and diminish the passion, enthusiasm, and excitement associated with the profession.
Regards, Barry
Unfortunately I teach in the evening Dental,and most offices are closed so field trips are not capable. Howver, Guest speakers are awesome especially past graduates who have excelled in their field they show the possibilty of sucess to their peers in a more realistic view because the came from your program taught by you with the same material that the current students are learning and being educated from.
Hi Richard:
Field trips are a fantastic method to bring the real world of the work setting into a closer view by students. These activities are nearly magical in how they can transform the cision some students have regarding their preconceived ideas about what their career area entails.
I think this is one of the lesser used but unique instructional strategies available to teachers, and could be schedduled more.
Regards, Barry
