Hi Detra:
These special activities are really very good because, besides the reasons you mentioned, they can inspire students to try harder or maybe plan their job opportunities more realistically. Although they take some planning, it's worth the time to the students, as these are usually quite memorable experiences.
Regards, Barry
Students are exposed to real-life situations which helps them make the connection with the curriculum. Exposing students to guest speakers affords them the opportunity of hearing from other subject matter experts and professionals. Students need to see how everything is applicable as it relates to the coursework and real life.
Hi Julie:
I agree. Validation of information almost always accompanies information that is being taught in the students classes. Sometimes, I will ask the speaker to make sure they include certain topics or points I am currently focusing on. I thinks students always enjoy the "break in pace" a guest speaker brings.
Regards, Barry
Hi John:
Yes that can happen. Sometimes students have only vague ideas about the world of work they're being prepared for. A lively and informed guest speaker can do quite a bit towards getting students motivated and exscited about their career choice. This acftivity is very effective and I think more teachers could benefit their claases iof they used more guest speakers. However, I realize time will always be a barrier.
Regards, Barry
It offers positive reinforcement of the subject matter. It is no longer an abstract, but real when they see what their studies could lead too.
Guest speakers are a great way to allow the students to hear from someone other than me that what I am teaching is how things are in the field. Hearing information from someone who is not their teacher almost validates what I have been teaching.
Hi Donna:
Yeah, I agree, there's nothing quite like a filed trip or guest speaker to inspire, motivate, and illuminate a perspective of the real world the students are being prepared for. Quite valuable and beneficial activity.
Regards, Barry
Hi Penelope:
Good. Some teachers have difficulty scheduling a guest speaker because the term is short, their class time is limited, or the curriculum is full, making this great activity difficult to squeeze in.
One answer is to get recent grads or even senior students who are already on campus to speak. Another idea is ask the students about potential guest speakers. Really, there are many ways to get creative if the teacher is motivated to do so.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rebecca:
I like to inform my guest speaker on what the current topics are, and sometimes, I might even ask if they'll mention a certain point or two that I've been emphasising in class to reinforce it's importance. But even if that doesn't happen, usually guest speakers bring a fresh perspective and "voice" to the class that's diificult to duplicate. These events are valuable and ususally quite memorable.
Regards, Barry
Ho Jo:
How exciting to hear what students have to say about their field trips. I always find they are usually quite "jazzed" by this unique teaching strategy.
Regards, Barry
Hi Loren:
Wonderful! This experience is so valuable, memorable, and motivational for your students. Real world application is very unique.
Regards, Barry
Hi Penelope:
Yes, and these kind of activities provide that view of the application very nicely, often in a way that can't be demonstrated in a class, lab, or even at the school. Real world is very motivational.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jo:
This kind of experience is extremely memorable and valuable in conveying what the students can expect as graduates. Very motivational.
Regards, Barry
Hi Cheryl:
I think both of these activities can be highly motivational, and even inspirational, depending on the location or individual presenting. These are unique teaching activities that probably could be conducted more often (in general).
Regards, Barry
Hi Kevin:
I agree and think that when students hear the same or similar information from a different "voice", it adds credibility to what the teacher has communicated, thus reinforcing the importance of retaining the information.
Regards, Barry
I like to have guest speakers come in and talk to the students, it gives them an opportunity to hear from someone in their field of study and at the same time reinterate some of the same perspectives that I have shared with them in class.
Field trips give students the chance to experience the particular field of study first hand and guest speakers teach the students through their own experience. Both applications can help the student decide what direction they may want to go with their career.
Students I have taken on field trips obtain a real world perspective on how what they are learning is applied to their industry. Specifically, going to a print shop to see how their designs created are ultimately produced in mass quantities helps them understand how critical it is to create documents the correct way in their programs with no mistakes.
It is important for students to see the application of skills in addition to the theory.
I love taking my students on field trips. I manage the "Cheese Club" at my school and we go to a cheese dairy. It is awesome to see the dots being connected in the minds of my students. They love to see the process from cow to curd. We see an informational video as well as talk to the cheese monger in person. It is a huge benefit for the students to have a hands on experience such as this.
