They get to see up close what they will be doing when they graduate. It also gives them a better grasp on the information that needs to be learned.
Stefanie,
This is a great example of the benefits of field trips. Students get motivated, observe something diiferent from the classroom, and sometimes are even inspired to "settle down' with their studies as the results of being exposeed to something related to the work they will end of doing when they graduate.
Barry Westling
I think field trips and guest speakers are a fantastic addition! Today, I took my students on a community service field trip. It was nice to see them work as a team and not so seperate in groups. I think it gave them a really great boost in themselves as well as a nice "work family." I think they also enjoyed something to look forward to and a change in scenery.
Dawn,
Great! Prompting students with potential questions, or alternatively, taking notes about key areas I prepare the students for makes for more substantial questions, makes the guest feel like the students are truely interested, and overall, contributes to a more meaningful activity.
Barry Westling
Barry,
I have done the same thing as far as quizzing the students on the presentation the guest lecturer gives. I also let them know what they may want to "brush up" on before he arrives.
Dawn,
Yeah, I have never had a poor field trip experience. Sometime, a guest speaker can be a bit less than dynamic. Sometimes, if I have a new speaker I haven't had before, I'll prep them as to what general topics I want them to speak about, or at least ask that they touch on a certain topic among the many topics they share. This helps me make sure the students get meaningful information from the speaker. Also, I usually ask the students to take notes and some times I'll quiz them about the information. I do this to make sure they listen, are active participators in the discussion, and give the guest the courtesy and respect they deserve for coming in to the class.
Barry Westling
Cheryl,
True! Students can get so inspired they may begin wanting to do better in their classes as they see the benefits or attributes present in their chosen career field. I feel these activities ought to be required in schools because students usually benefit so much by them.
Barry Westling
I believe having guest speakers and field trips helps to break up the monotony of the lecture/lab routine. I like the energy it brings to the classroom. The students not only talk about it amongst themselves, but with the underclassmen. This engages the underclassmen and they seem to become more involved in the program itself.
I have had reat response to both guest speakers and field trips. It help students see the end result of their education! I think it is very motivating and opens their minds to different paths within the career field.
Tammy,
Yeah, I find it's common for students to hear information they've heard before and hearing it from another just goes to reinforce the importance of the information being shared. This just brings them closer to their ultimate goals of graduating and securing employment in btheir chosen field.
Barry Westling
Taking field trips not only get the students excited about their future career but they also help validate the information and skills you are teaching in the classroom. When students see some of the same equipment and materials we use in the classroom they feel they will have the skills needed to be successful in their field.
Marylynn,
Yes, and the ability to ask questions from someone other than their own instructor is a benefit many students take advantage of as well. Guest speakers or field trip presenters often stimulate questions that students would not normally think to ask about.
Barry Westling
It gives them a feel for the field. Guest speakers emphasize more on the field and gives the students another view on what we are trying to teach them.
Marco,
I like guest speakers too. Of course, the instructor is ultimately accountable and responsible for the student's learning, but that's not to say a different perspective, an alternative point of view, a different spin - all these can make classes more interesting.
Barry Westling
Suzanne,
I like guest speakers too. Even recent graduates can bring a spark of just a different spin on things. Also, guests break up the routine and offer another perspective that might not otherwise be presented.
Barry Westling
I feel a guest speaker allows students to focus on another's point of view and not just the point of view of the instructor.
I feel that having guest speakers is very beneficial. While respecting my experience as their instructor, it is good for them to hear it from an outsider as well. This helps reinforce what is being taught.
Novella,
This is a great way to involve past graduates and inspire your future ones. There's something about "former student-to-current student" discussion that makes for interesting and effective classes and usually creates lots of pertinent questions and sharing a unique work perspective that students would not ordinarily receive from their instructor, or most any other resource on campus.
Barry Westling
Quite often I have past students who are working in the field "show up" to say hi to me. Everytime that this happens, I have them talk to the class about what they do, how prepared they felt when they started, how well they preform their job and how long they have been working in their field. This excites the students, gives them something to focus on and look forward to. We also do field trips when the time allows and I have found that both of these methods add excitement, insite, and a rediness to get back to work to learn.
Andrea,
I agree. Students may very well become inspired by the opportunity to view an aspect of "the real world of work" they're training for when attending a good field trip. And as you say, some programs where there is not a external experience component in their courses can be readily motivated by such an activity.
Barry Westling
