I've had the opportunity to be a guest speaker in addition to being an instructor. I think that the students appreciate hearing from someone in the field. As we all know, "book learning" can differ from the "real world". A guest speaker can help transition between the two.
Field trips can also be an important part of the instructional process. Often, we overlook the fact that some people choose the wrong career path. Early exposure to guest speakers and field trips will enable students from pursuing a career/field that they only thought they wanted to be in. This gives them an early opportunity to chose another career field.
Hi Sheila:
Students really like field trips. It's something different, but also some students can get really jazzed or informed in a way they wouldn't get in the classroom.
Regards, Barry
Field trips are very benefical because they will enhance their knowledge about their field of study and the career they plan to pursue.
Hi Ken:
Good idea, alythough this might be impractical or prohibited. If permitted however, taking the photos and using them to supplement a PPT or even just an expository on the results of the trip would be instrumental in reinforcing what occured and help review the material to facilitate retention of key information.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kevin:
Irreplace - a great adjective to describe the benefit of a well planned field trip. I think all classes ought to plan at least one field trip as a requirement in their curriculum. Time for planning and other factors may limit this sentiment - I understand. It's just that field trips can inspire and motivate unlike almost any other activity.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kevin:
Both of these exercises add a lot to almost any class in a way unlike most any other activity. Very useful.
Regards, Barry
Hi Brenda:
A well planned field trip can be invaluable. It reinforces hope for something better in a students life by bringing a touch of reality to the (seemingly) pretend world of work as seen in daily classes at school.
Regards, Barry
The students that I have love to actually have a hands on view of the topics of discussion that is the focus of the course.
Hi Sunshine:
And, especially in career oriented fields, students may get the chance to speak with people in their chosen field for a brand new perspective on concepts you've discussed in class.
Regards, Barry
Hi Amanda:
Very important! If students gain confidence in the subject matter, it is a realistic expectation they will do better overall in the class.
Regards, Barry
Hi Billie:
Students really like field trips. They inspire, and it breaks the routine of day to day classes and brings to light the wonders the profession has to offer.
Regards, Barry
This enlightens the students on the outside world, and really peaks their interest on a subject.
Hi Michael:
I agree and believe that students can become really inspiraed and motivated by attending a well planned field trip. It a powerful activity with potentially tremendous results.
Regards, Barry
Hi Michael:
I agree and think field trips are extremely valuable. Beside what you mentioned, good trips often provide inspiration and motivation to students who may not have a clue as to what the real world of work they're training for includes.It also may help some in the subsequent class studies, having a "new found interest band desire to do well.
Regards, Barry
In my experence it works very well. The students enjoy to see what the careers will be like when they get out in the real world. They have the oppertunity to ask questions of those in the opperations about there feeling of the job. The see and understand what is expeced of them in the career they have chosen. It take the misconseption the may have on things they have heard about the job. Seeing it first hand means alot.
Hi Matthew:
Students tent to respect the information given by a good guest speaker. It reinforces their hopes for a brighter future.
Regards, Barry
Hi Henry:
Boy, that's so true. I think field trips are uniquely powerful in getting students inspired, motivated and reinvigorated in their profesional study. Few activities have this level of impact.
I must say, it's possible for a poorly planned field trip to be little more than a waste of time. But thats usually not the case.
Regards, Barry
Hi Leonardo:
Super! I think a well executed field trip can be very important and vital to student learning. Students get motivated about their coursework, and the experience is usually quite meaningul for the student.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rebecca:
Good guest speakers can be very powerful learning adjuncts. When students hear of exciting aspects about the career, profession, or job they're training for, that can be extremely motivational. Sometimes, weaker students will get energized after a guest speaker and their performance in class improves. That's great when that happens.
Regards, Barry
Hi Eric:
Individuals with experience, specialized knowledge, or work settings where graduates may sometime work are ideal for creating a deepened interest in the subject matter. Also, field trips can be motivational and get a class of students re-energized and focused on their studies.
Regards, Barry
