Hi Gary:
Yes, guest speakers and field trips can be quite motivational. I think when a student can visualize themselves actully performing in a work setting, that's a powerful motivation to do well in order to bring that vision into fruition.
Regards, Barry
A guest speaker can help students to put themselves in a realistic light of what their first day at work in their chosen career might be like which can really make them want to learn everything that they can about it.
GW
Hi Karla:
Good point. I have found some students who have only a vague idea of what they want to do when the complete my program which seems strange in a way. But then I think about how some students arn't used to planning ahead, or even planning. So something like a eye-opening field trip is a good idea for that reason, and dozens more.
Regards, Barry
Hi Marian:
Yes, and getting that "spirit of what can be for me" is a very strong motivational attribute!
Regards, Barry
Making field trips and guest speakers can give students an idea of places they can work at. Guest speakers will share their experiences with the students and motivate them to stay in that field.
my response is that it inspires and excites the students with showing them areas in their field that they can be amazed by. This helps with the interest and motivation levels for success.
Hi Christine:
What a great idea! I bet most teachers know someone or some similar situation they can access for field trips. They are very beneficial and the students enjoy the experience.
Regards, Barry
I have an instructor who teaches night classes. She always takes her students on a field trip to her "day" office. The students love it and really start to connect.
Hi Maureen:
Students do need a break from the norm from time to time and scheduling a field trip usually will do the trick. Methods to improve getting access for field trips might include:
* Get a referral from a current worker
* Get permission from the top administration (letter or in person)
* Contact the head office (PR or HR departments)
* Cold call: Just call the supervisor and ask.
* Work through your Chamber of Commerce
* Blackmail: "We heard brand x is superior. Can we come and see why yours is better?
I'm sure there are many other ways if you think about who or where you specifically want to participate.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kim:
Yes, sometimes the opportunities available to students are not well appreciated until an experience such as a field trip exposes them to additional options they may not have thought about.
Regards, Barry
Well it makes the learning more 'real' and it is a break from the normal format of each weeks class, so typically students love both.
I find it difficult to line up either though. Any tips on getting prfessionals to come into the classroom or be willing to let me bring my very small class to the field? Why do you think people do not want to come or let us come? How can I anticipate their objections?
Students can see the different options that they can branch into with further education and see where their interest lie when exposed to these field trips.
Hi Paul:
I agree about getting students motivated and excited. Anytime we can get the students in that frame of mind is a good thing.
Regards, Barry
From my experience, taking students on field trips gets them motivated and excited about their career choice. A guest speaker can come in and motivate those students who don't feel like this is the right career choice for them,
Hi Maimoona:
It would ideal to be able to plan two (or more) field trips in a given class. Many courses are shorter, so there just isn't enough time for even one field trip. In general, there are great benefits to field trips and guided tours, and I think instructors should try to schedule them whenever they can, preferably around the same time as that topic is being discussed in class. It's great when it works out that way.
Regards, Barry
there are numerous benefits of taking field trips..it is important to have at least two field trips in a course. one at the beginning , which gives the students a true feeling of the profession and then to discuss its impact on the students..are they prepared to take on this profession, do they think they will enjoy it and see themselves progressing in the field and then the second trip should be planned near the end of the course, it would enable the students to see the profession from up close and address any queries that they would have. students will similarly benefit from guest speakers who can guide them by using real life experiences and motivate them.
Hi Mary:
What students see and hear (and feel) can create a vision for the student where they can see themselves in a role - in a way that other methods of instruction just cannot provide. Inspired, motivated, excited, jazzed - the experience reaches inside them and sticks with them.
Regards, Barry
Students can hear first hand experiences of people in the field of employment they intend to enter. "War stories" help students avoid the pitfalls of their chosen field. Field trips are expecially helpful as the student gets to see "real life" experiences, procedures, work environment, etc.
Hi Bonnielee:
Coupling an informed guest speaker or tour guide to provide additional insight or information can be a value added benefit too. The particular exhibit you mention would a valuable field trip for just about any class - a creative teacher could make it fit in somewhere.
Regards, Barry
I love to do field trips expecially when it is the student will raise their level of knowledge with. Although, I teach Billing and Coding, the Bodies exhibit is wonderful when in town, expecially since we teach A & P.
