When I take my students on a field trip, I know they are being exposed to their chosen career field more than anything. This exposure helps them see how it looks in a day to day setting. This allows them the opportunity to make any changes in their field of choice while also creating lots of excitement!
It really helps students put into perspective what you have been talking about in class. We go over what dental labs do but to actually see a lab, the set up and how they fabricate a prosthesis really sinks in- and they remember the material better.
Richard,
Right. All activities should have an educational purpose and specific outcome. Otherwise, the instructor is just wasting the students time.
Barry Westling
It always makes me a little mad when I hear other instructors talk about field trips and guest speakers as sort of a vacation day for the instructor. The instructor should realize that these trips or guest speakers can not only "teach" students about what is going on out in the real world but also reinforce the class material and validate the textbook and other material for the instructor.
Jona,
Anytime we can make the class more interesting, students are apt to pay attention.
Barry Westling
I utilize guest speakers to bring life to dry material. When students can connect textbooks to career objectives, spreadsheets and inventory are made more relevant.
B.,
The biggest benefit I've seen is the inspiration students often receive following a good field trip or interesting guest speaker.
Barry Westling
Jeremy,
And I've rarely had a good field trip not result in increased motivation, inspiration, and often, increased commitment to studies.
Barry Westling
I don't have anything to add that hasn't been said already. I am grateful for the insight shown by so many colleagues and will work on having more guest speakers. in the future. Field trips have always been of immense value as students get a different perspective on what they are covering in class.
Nothing gives students a better opportunity to set a career goal like seeing others in that field. Makes the whole thing real for them.
Kenneth,
The relative little extra planning for a guest or off campus visit usually pays off in terms of interest, motivation, and renewed enthusiasm.
Barry Westling
We have found that field trips to various settings allows our students to see what "real" life is. We also have infused the use of "expert" guest speakers to instruct in lecture and lab to compliment our (instructors) classes.
Bonnie,
Even when a class is energetic and interesting, students enjoy hearing a different voice and alternative perspectives. Seeing reality vs photos, video's, or textbook material can add a dimension of greater enthusiasm, and many times a new level of motivation too.
Barry Westling
The benefits of field trips are:
to get students out into the dental office/clinic
to observe how a lab works
to visit a museum as a way to tie in A+P
I have frequent guest speakers and I find that my students enjoy hearing from other professionals out in the dental field. I try to bring in people who specialize in areas that I am not experienced in. It is a win-win situation.
Donna,
Terrific. This is a great example of using technology to enhance and engage students. And this particular activity will probably endure as a lifelong memory due to the remarkable access and stunning visual learning it provides.
Barry Westling
There is one particular field trip that is extremely visual. It's an opportunity to see open-heart surgery via video conferencing which most echocardiography technicians don't have access to even when they work in a hospital.
The students can actually ask questions to the surgical team including the surgeon.
Christopher,
I think it's a good thing when a guest speaker validates material their instructor has previously covered. I liken it to one of the latent benefits this unique learning experience provides. Therefore, in the sense that a guest speaker or off campus visit is a resource, I'll always appreciate whatever resource makes a motivational connection with students, regardless of the source.
Barry Westling
Beyond the obvious benefit of shared knowledge from an expert, guest speakers have always helped to add variety to the learning experience in my courses as well as help students connect to their career path that they often struggle with while physically in school. In addition, I have noticed that guest speakers or those welcoming a class for a visit off-campus often echo things I have already pressed to student prior, and (while sometimes frustrating) there is no denying that they tend to really hear these things when a new voice says them.
Imelda,
All these are benefits (hopefully the class sessions are not monotonous all the time!).
Barry Westling
Here are several benefits I think are gained:
1. Field trips help include students who have difficulty in listening to classroom lectures.
2. They break the monotony of sitting in a classroom and listening to lecture.
3. Students will be appreciative of the instructor's effort.
