Being a night instructor the availability for field trips is limited due to work schedules, however, I would like to start to bring in recent graduates who attended night class as well to share their experiences with students who are limited in their schedules as well.
Joseph,
Yeah, it's a good situation when the instructor and their profession are recognized (validated) by an guest or external source.
Barry Westling
Student seem to view their instructors as models of professionals in the field, but somehow they do not seem to see us as working professionals. When the instructor utilizes a guest speaker they give the student an example of someone in the field at this moment in time. Student normally ask more in depth questions about the field and trends are occurring.
Mary,
I like this idea! It seems like it encourages accountability by students, and also reinforces needed skill required for successful work opportunities in the their career setting.
Barry Westling
Pamela,
Many instructors integrate the field trip/guest speaker into the daily class session. Therefore, there is no conflict in this case. After hours, or extended time beyond regular class hours does present some logistical challenges. One way to handle that is to have an alternate assignment for those students who cannot make the scheduled activity, but get the same credit as if they attended.
Barry Westling
Deborah,
Field trips are definitely motivational, due in part to students beginning to see themselves in the work setting.
Barry Westling
My students have certain skill "sign-offs" that must be achieved before graduation. Many of these skills are difficult to achieve on campus. We head out to an appropriate facility with a guest speaker/specialist on site. After the skills are explained and demostrated by the specialist, the students are expected to practice and demonstrate the required skills.These experiences are invaluable to the students and a necessary part of their overall learning experience.
In the classes that I teach; having field trips and guest speakers has been a plus. The students finally can relate to the speaker or the field trip and understand that everything that tehy learn or discuss in the classroom are true and that the student then can relate the class work to a real life experience and can look forward to the externship at the end of the Program.
I teach cultural diversity. I think there are plenty of places to visit that would help with this class. However, students have time constraints which limit the opportunities for field trips.
Nikkole,
A break in the routine with a different individual who brings a diiferent spin or perspective can be very inspirational.
Barry Westling
I found the benefits of taking field trips and listening to guest speakers provide the students with "real life" examples aside of those provided by the instructor. It is a true motivator for them.
Jodi,
I encourage prospective students to do a job shadow to make sure they've made a good decision. Once in school, students are often quite motivated by what they see, envisioning themselves in the work setting.
Barry Westling
They will be able to see the success stories from their field. Field trips could also help with deciding if that is the right path for them or not.
Sharline,
Most students are like a sponge when they see and hear about exciting aspects of the career training they've committed to. And the ability to ask specific questions from someone other than their instructor is a plus.
Barry Westling
Cynthia,
I agree. We don't have to be the sole deliverer of all information. In fact, the more students learn on their own, the more they're likey to retain and apply in their professional careers.
Barry Westling
I believe taking field trips are great because it gives the students an opportunity to see what is ahead for them and then decide if they chose to right career path. Many times people choose a career not knowing what it actually is.
I feel that making field trips and having guest speakers are form of intstructing students and the benefit a great deal from it.
Cory,
Right. Variety and work-setting applications are always a break from the routine and make for interesting and more enjoyable classes.
Barry Westling
So they can see what they are learning and how it applies to their futures.
Cory,
Yes, and in my experience, a good guest speaker conjures up questions. And interestingly, students are always very bold and inquisitive about the information they've gained.
Barry Westling
