pertinant field trips
I was fortunate enough to be teaching anatomy and positioning during the period of time when the body works exhibit came into town. It was magical to see the student eyes light up as they viewed actual bodies. It was one thing to have a fake skeleton in the classroom and quite another to see the real thing. I believe it helped for a deeper understanding and I know the students loved the trip. They are already asking me when they can go again.
Hi Mary:
One often overlooked resource are recent grads who are working. They are ususlly full of enthusiasm and can relate to the students.
Another overlooked resource might be another teacher at your own school who may have special knowledege, interest, or passion about some aspect of the profession.
Another often overlooked resource is your equipment and supplier vendors. Either they may be able to speak, or they can be contacted to suggest possible speakers. This would work for field trips as well.
We have to be creative. You could contact some of the medical offices your students are associated with and ask the office staff if they would be willing to have the salespersons who visit the doctor to give you a call. Even if you connected 1/20 times, that's a better ration than zero. Good luck.
Regards, Barry
I too went to that field trip as a student, it was an educational experience.
Now being a new instructor I would like to inquire some suggestions to locate and schedule places for field trips (medical assistants) and for guest speakers.
Any thoughts would be well recieved :-)
Hi Steven:
Great! Your post is a perfect example of how memorable and motivating field trips can be. Sometimes, students really get inspired which can lead to very rewarding graduate outcomes.
Regards, Barry
