It has helped the students in the courses I'm teaching to understand the work environment they will be entering. They come up with questions about different techniques and procedures that we can then go over and discuss in class.
Kit,
Right. And that experience can be extremely meaningful. I think sometimes students have only vague ideas about the profession they're training for. A good field trip can open their eyes and minds to greater aspects the profession offers.
Barry Westling
By seeing the industries professional performed what the students has been learning about. It help the students see what they are learning being use in real life situration.
Jamie,
This sounds like a wonderful experience. Acitivities like these are a "value added" component to the program and contribute to the professional growth and comprehensive perspective your profession provides to graduates.
Barry Westling
In our area of instruction we like to take the student to the museums that have the very first dental instruments . This makes them appreciate the technology and also brings the realism into what they are learning . The guest speakers gives the students an idea of the different directions they have to explore in the field they have choosen.
Robert,
As to the guest speaker, reaffirmation of information previously given to students by their instructor goes far to reinforce both the importance of the material and the credibility of the instructor. And hearing information presented by a different voice adds interest and color to the overall delivery of the presented material.
Barry Westling
Ronald,
A good field trip can be a definite eye opener. I've seen students (even marginal performers) turn themselves around with a renewed emphasis on focus and study as the result of the field trip experience. I'd say that is a powerful motivator!
Barry Westling
When used correctly the use of field trips is huge. tTaking theory and making it real is a true outcome. And the use of guest speakers who reaffirm what the students hear in lecture, completes the circle so to speak.
I find that my students like to have field trips or guest speakers, when they are in their field of practice. It opens there minds on crossroads that they can turn to, to seperate them from everyone else, and opens doors that they did not know about.
Sylinda,
When students can visualize themselves in a setting that is like what they are being trained for, they often become more motivated and willing to focus their study, as they realize they will soon be out in the real workplace.
Barry Westling
Students are given the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to the workplace. Students tend to retain information when they hear it from me and see it in the workplace.
Robert,
Your dilemma regarding student barriers is not unfamiliar. Ideas for guest speaker might include, recent graduates now working, fellow instructors, colleagues you know in the community, sales representatives. If you could get a list of the employers of everyone from say, the past year, you might be able to find someone from one of those employers to come speak (especially if they are satisfied with the employee you trained).
Barry Westling
I have previously asked my superiors about being able to do a field trip. The barriers at my school are that the students would have to drive themselves to the field trip location and back to the school. Also all of the class would have to agree to attend. When I brought this up to one class, some of the students indicated that they did not have the fuel to make any field trips. So I have put the field trip idea on hold at least for now. The idea of a guest speaker really sounds great. I will ask my superiors what would be involved in my bringing a guest speaker to my class. I really think that the right speaker would be a great motivator for my students.
Tania,
A good guest speaker can create an image in the students minds eye, and sometimes, that alone can be an inspiring moment that redirects a students focus to work harder in class. Powerful!
Barry Westling
Renee,
I think students sometimes begin to visualize themselevs working when they go on a field trip, and that can be motivating, even inspiring to the degree that some will work harder while in school based on their newfound vision.
Barry Westling
It gives students a glimpse og what they will be doing by having the field trip, and guest speakers can be very motivating.
Students are able to apply their textbook classroom knowledge when taking a field trip or completing collaborative discussions with guest speakers. Both field trips and guest speakers provided outside perspectives for student to gain a real-world point of view.
John,
Yes, these can very inspirational, informative, and motivational.
Barry Westling
Tammy,
Sounds nice. Students enjoy these kind of outings, and I'm sure they are better prepared becuase of your efforts.
Barry Westling
Trinity,
Very true. There is a limit to how much activities like viewing photos, lectures, discussions, and research can do to create a realistic vision of some aspect of the work setting. Field trips can potentially create that.
Barry Westling
