Taking field trips help the students to visualize what it is they are learning, and to see it in practice. Being able to observe without the stress of performing is very beneficial.
Guest speakers are also nice because they can offer another perspective on a subject, even cover things the instructor didnt and help expand a students understanding.
Scott,
I agree that being able to visualize themselves as workers rather students can be a tremendously valuable experience, capable of transitioning from student to graduate/employee, and also motivating students to focus on current studies.
Barry Westling
I think field trips help students make a stronger connection to the material by seeing it in action. They can visualize what goes on in a particular field when discussing a topic, and can visualize themselves performing tasks in that environment.
Taking students on field trips allows for a lot of wonderful opportunity. First, you can expose them to the "real world". It is easy for students to get trapped in the learning process and forget the actual application of skills and the reality of the industry. Students also tend to lose momentum if you keep doing the same thing over and over in your classes. Taking them out in the field can re-invigorate them in the learning process when the work of it gets tedious for them.
Guest speakers serve a very similar purpose, but the best thing about them are that your students get to hear someone other than you reinforce all of the things you have been teaching them. Students tend to respond well to hearing from guest speakers because they realize that they can relate what you have been saying to them to someone who is out there in the field.
Peter,
Yes, and I find the abilty to ask questions of the guest is one of better contributions this activity provides. Students just seem more willing to be bold with their questions, much more so than with their regular instructor. It's great too when the speaker ends up reinforcing facts or related information I have shared in my classes.
Barry Westling
Jennifer,
The break in routine, whether heard (speaker) or observed (field trip) is nearly always a welcomed experience for students. Like all activities, these can add to the students motivation to focus on their studies and for some, be inspired to excell from mediocre to outstanding.
Barry Westling
Donald,
These are are all great reasons to justify the use of recent and longer time graduates as guest speakers. What is also good is the abundant resource and availabilty of guest speakers when graduates are asked to speak. I like to give graduates (and all speakers) a broad and very general outline of the topic area, but leave it up to the speaker to decide where they want the emphasis to be.
Barry Westling
One immense benefit of field trips is working with your students in a different setting. Meeting in the same classroom day after day can be somewhat boring. A different setting can be invigorating for both the students and the instructor.
Guest speakers are also helpful. It helps when there is someone else in the front of the room. The students become more engaged when they see a new face.
It's easy for students to get lost in the books, handouts, etc. when constantly learning in a classroom or lab type environment. The beauty of field trips and/or guest speakers is you can take the material they are learning and SHOW them how it will be pertinent to their career and job future. Giving them real-life examples tends to help them grasp and retain the information as well.
We use graduates from our program as guest speakers during class for the following reasons.
1. It shows the current student that others, from similar back grounds, have gone on the succeed in the industry.
2. These guest speakers give the current student real life, how it is in the field now, information that may be more beleiveble to them than what comes from those paid by the school to teach them.
3. The students get to ask questions about how the speaker felt when they first entered the field, did they feel prepaired, did they know what they were doing, how were they treated that first day, what was expected of they, etc. that they may not feel comfortable asking the instructor.
4. The speaker is able to assure them that what they are being taught is what they need to know to succeed in the field.
5. The student can see themselves as the speaker. Many have come back to the school after some time in the field and asked to talk to the classes themselves and to pass along their experiense.
We don't tell the guest speakers what to say but we do set some rules before they are allowed to talk to a class. Once the talk starts the instructor leaves the room so the students can feel free to ask what ever question they want and the speaker feels free to be open and answer questions honestly.
Paul,
Yes, having students hear or see a different "voice" breaks the routine and often provides a bit of inspired or motivating information. And nearly everyone working who guides a tour or is a guest speaker has a slightly different spin on things.
Barry Westling
VALERIE,
I think the ability to ask questions about specific aspects of the career setting of individuals other than their instructor benefits students, validates information the instructor may have shared, and can be a motivational boost.
Barry Westling
Students will have the chance to interact with people that are in the real world of the profession that they are studying. Sometimes people that are still working in the field have new information on technology that the instructor has not encountered.
It helps students understand the relevance of the course. It also allows them the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and get valuable input and feedback.
michael,
That's an interesting point about student perceptions, and I think true in many cases. A good field trip often motivates and inspires, and students do begin to realize that there is a real profession out there that they soon will be a part of.
Barry Westling
I am a chef instructor. We often go on field trips to local and away restaurants, hotels and food shows. It showcases our industry and lets students see the "real" part. It's really easy to become "white noise" when standing in front of a class. Do they really think I was a chef in a restaurant? What is their perception of me as a chef ? Do they just think I'ma teacher and forget the chef part? Field trips link us back to industry hence making the classroom more real.
Adrienne,
Yes, and I think that often the instructors credibility is reinforced with students when they hear from another voice some of the same or related information that has been emphasized or touched on in the regular classes. Also, just a break from the routine is a nice thing to experience from time to time.
Barry Westling
Students get a sample of the real world work environment when we incorporate community resources into our lessons. Often times guest speakers can give an insight that we as instructors may not be able to deliver as effectively. It's always good for students to see others in their chosen career field at work and to visit potential employers.
Tina,
And sometimes a change in "voice", perspective, or emphasis can also add to make a more interesting and enjoyable experience.
Barry Westling
The students get the benefit of different perspectives on their career choice in a real life work setting. They seem to enjoy having guest speakers who demonstrate expertise in thier field. The speakers are motivational and well as encouraging.
