As a hospital clinical program we have our students in the hospital setting for 1600 hours during the educational program. We teach concepts in the classroom and then the students can act upon this instruction and put it into almost immediate use. The students have less problems understanding the concepts once they can act upon them. Putting knowledge into action is truly a learning experience.
Rather than benefits, I'd like to point out a potential pitfall w/ guest speakers. Guest speakers can be a bit of a wildcard, and require some careful attention to keep things from going wrong. Informing the speaker about the class (subject, who the students are, where they are in studies, etc.), and about what you want the speaker to address topically are givens. But it's important to understand that the class is yours. You are not relinquishing responsibility for what goes on there. Therefore, a follow-on communication w/ the speaker, in person if at all possible, to discuss in some detail what the speaker will present and how is very important. This of course would need to be done diplomatically so as not to insult the guest, but it's important for the guest to understand that it's your responsibility to ensure that their presence and presentation are well synchronized w/ the objectives of the course, module, etc., and that you want to ensure their participation contributes optimally to the learning of the students. Just something for consideration. Too often I've seen instructors think that having in a guest speaker equates to turning over control.
Hi Robin:
Well, I'm all for relaxation, whenever and however it's available!
What I think is cool is when students who may have only a vague idea about what they will be doing in the work setting, get to picture themselves as employed. It may be a vision they've not yet (or ever) imagined. Many get very jazzed and inspired about their chosen field, and then are better motivated which leads to better performance in the classroom, and ultimately, better workers.
Fileld trips are sorely underused by many teachers, and it's a shame because this activity benefits the students in many ways. Same for the guest speaker. To hear success stories from recent grads or long time workers can really be dramatic and have lasting effects. More!
Regards, Barry
Hi Alexandria:
Great. Students like field trips and it does help give a student an more precise examination of the work setting they're being trained for.
Another point you touched on, I believe many students do get inspired by what they see and learn, and as a result, end up trying harder based on their "revelation" they will soon be out in the work force carrying out real-world responsibilities.
Regards, Barry
Students need variation in the classroom, and frankly, you may not instruct in a way that some students need. A new face or a new venue can excite students and get them motivated. Having a good speaker come in can be an excellent way to add to your class, especially when you consider how we all have a specific amount of knowledge. Someone else may have experiences that differ from yours or illustrate a situation that you have not experienced.
Field trips are fun. Admit it! Getting out of the classroom box makes learning feel less like learning and more like experiencing. It also appeals to most students because they don't realize that they are learning as they are having fun. I used to love to go see movies for my literature classes and get students to do a write-up on the different themes, characters, conflicts, etc. They could do it as a social activity and really feel more relaxed in the environment. Getting out of the box makes school seem less institutional. That is why I love to supplement classes with these additions. I am planning on bringing a masseuse into my Career Development class to teach relaxation exercises. How cool is that? We all need to learn to relax a bit, don't you agree?
I agree with this concept. My students have been going to a Dental College to assistant student Dentist, this has helped them to develop professionalism, and it has refined their Dental Assistant skills. They have become more passionate about the field,and I notice a difference in their attitudes. The public speakers help to bring live experiences to the students, and they seem to be motivated after the speaker leaves.
Hi Yolanda:
Styudents really like like field trips. Many don't always have a clear picture of their chosen profession, and this activity can really inspire students to see what they're being trained for. Many times, this can be a very strong motivating factor that carries on into the classroom.
Regards, Barry
It will assist the student more aware of their field .
Hi Richard:
Hearing from individuals in the field, or visiting a site that closely relates to the type of work students will be doing is extremely valuable.
You mention the break from regular school. There is that component, but I don't think it's the break that students like but the meaningful experience they encounter through the activity. As you say, your memories are good from when you took a field trip. (there are many ways to nreengage student without having to leave campus for a field trip).
Many students get inspired about a potential future that awits them, and that be a very motivating faeture and invaluable learning experience.
Regards, Barry
Hi Tonya:
I think the possibility of improved understanding may occur, but not necessarily assured. While many students get inspired, there are some students you wonder why they even enrolled in school, because nothing seems to interest them.
But for the most part, students can visulize a potential future for themselves, and brings hope, and hope brings motivation, and motivations brings increased effort that usually results in inp[roved performance.
Regards, Barry
The benefits are clearly related to the students' ability to see their learning in action. A guest speaker brings information about their field--and can be more realistic and up to date than an instructor! It's also a good change of pace from the usual lectures and exercises.
And of course a field trip, besides being a fun break, lets the class see something in operation. Some of my strongest memories of school are field trips. they take more work, but if done right can have significant payoffs.
Hi Roger:
Creative, non-traditional classroom learning is beneficial, partly because it's outside the classroom, and partly because of what the students see and visualize for themselves. This "potential reality" can be a great motivator.
Regards, Barry
I believe that going on the field trips and giving them an opportunity to have a guest speaker brings what instructor is teaching to life and makes them understand more of what is going on. It gives them an opportunity to ask questions about their field
Hi Jessica:
Field trips can illuminate both the world of the work setting the students are preparing for, plus help validate the informatyion you're teaching in class. Some students get real inspired by field trips. maybe they feel "hey, it won't be long before I'm outta school and I'll be lookin' for work, I don't know. But I know they enjoy these away from class experiences.
Regards, Barry
Anytime you break away from the normal routine of class it is very beneficial. You start to get different view points & understandings of your future. When you have strangers come into the classroom & have field trips it has more of a direct impact. The guidance is coming from somewhere else (Guest Speaker) & visual or maybe even hands on if it is set up like that where you are going to (On a Field Trip).
They get real life experience from trips and guest speakers. It also adds to the diversity of your instruction and their learning. Most of the time the students enjoy the break from book work as well.
Hi Nicole:
Field trips and guest speakers are like a vlaue-added activity. It can really inspire, and motivate some students to try harder to be successfull. It's really an underused activity that students can benefit from and usually appreciate.
Regards, Barry
I enjoy taking students on field trips. It's great exposure for hands skills.
Hi Tracy:
Good thoughts, Tracy. Students often get very moved by the field trip experience. It may be that they realize that they will soon be actually working in that setting. Or, maybe the see the reality of holding down a job they're being trained for and the end of dood old school days.
But guest speakers and field trips can be quite inspiring, even motivate some students to try harder as they get invigorated to ready themselves for the profession they're being trained for. And as you point out, the ability to ask questions can really stimulate thoughtful visions of opportunity that many may not have considered.
Regards, Barry
The benefits include widening their view of the profession in order to get a realistic look at the field. Speakers bring experience and real-life examples to share. They answer a lot of questions, which can serve to put students minds at ease by demystifying the field. Field trips make the professional world more dimensional.
