Donna,
How wonderful - what a great resource you are for your students and your friends.
Barry Westling
I absolutely love taking my students on field trips. Since I teach anatomy and physiology, the Bodies Exhibit is invaluable because they get to see things in a different context and they get to get out of the classroom which keeps their attention.
I am a guest speaker myself for friends of mine that are teachers and I get to bring the real world experience to the classroom. Students have the ability and opportunity to inquire about topics in my field, such as salary, hours, responsibilities, etc.
I have also a recent graduate come in to my class and speak regarding her experience in the work force. She can discuss patient load, patient timing, etc.
Terry,
Great! Field trips can be so motivational as well as interesting. Sometimes students have only a vague idea about some aspect of their profession, and that's where the field trip can open their eyes, in an inspirational sense.
Barry Westling
We use field trips to motivate our students and use interactive learning experiences about their career field. Our latest field trip caused interest as well as provoked discussion on new technology in our field
Sandra,
Sometimes, concepts and lab can't fully create a complete understanding - that's where a good field trip or interesting guest can help fill in some gaps.
Barry Westling
Field trips and guest speakers are a great tool! It can almost act as a job shadowing. You are able to bring their studies to real life and show the student that they're hard work will pay off.
LeWando,
Great! There is usually multiple approaches to identifying and facilitating meaningful student instructional resources, this among them.
Barry Westling
This is an execellent idea. I must incorporate this into my guest speaker platform Thanks.
Taking students on a field trip helps them understand what was taught in the classroom and makes lectures and labs come together for that "aahaaa" comment when it all makes sense.
Having a guest speaker gives students another point of view from someone who is out in the field. A different perspective.
Michelle,
Great. And I find that a good field trip tends to motivate, stimulate interest, and encourage students to want to work harder and take their studies more seriously.
Barry Westling
Students see and use the education you have given to them. This empowers them to succeed in the field they have chosen. This all allows the students to see how the education can put to use.
Christine,
A good field trip is worth its weight in gold (if gold is motivation, inspiration and determination).
Barry Westling
Students become inspired by guest speakers and field trips. I love to see the excitement and enthusiasm from the students while they are speaking with the guest speaker or tour guide. Students are able to see the hands-on practical nature of what they are learning academically as well as apply the knowledge in conversation.
Joyce,
Great. And I would also suggest you ask your "guest" if they have suggestions. Networking can pay dividends.
Barry Westling
Thank you for your encouragement. I am going to check out some ideas for field trips and maybe get some former students in as a guest speaker. The students could definately learn from these expeiences and will remember them as the continue their education. Joyce
Joseph,
One suggestion is to seek out recent past graduates who are working, successful, and have good memories of their time in school. Although they may be lacking in experience, they usually make up for it with their enthusiasm, energy, positive perspective, and, their familiar with the school, program, and methods to navigate classes successfully. Also there's something accepting about student to student discussion that's somehow a bit more believable (I suppose hearing from ones own adds credibility).
Barry Westling
I understand the importance of having quest speakers and going on field trips. My problem is time and connection. All the experts that I ask are either busy or uninterested. I also have been turned down by several institutions about field trips. I am so frustrated and discourage, that I have almost giving up. Any Suggestions?
Anne,
Yes, I've seen many "aha" moments emerge during the field trip experience.
Barry Westling
Joyce,
Great! I can tell you students love field trips. Contact with local dealers or manufacturers of equipment or supplies can be a great resource. Recent grads are another resource for guest speakers. While they may not have a lot of experience, they do have a lot of energy and enthusiasm, and they're familiar with the course, program, and institution.
Barry Westling
we have found field trips are valuable for students to actually see professionals in action. It tends to bring all the class information together
