Hi Dean:
THat's it exactly - the students get a chance to interact in their chosen field (sometimes), or at least meay hear about the topics you've been discussing from someone else which will offer them a fresh perspective.
Regards, Barry
if field trips are managed properly they are a win/win. If you are not prepared it can be frustrating and hard to manage. Be sure to preplan.
Although students are well trained in a college environment, seeing their future career in a real environment and talking to people who work in their chosen profession is a big plus.
Realizing the field of study is not merely theoretical and there are real-world applications and opportunties upon graduation
Students get to observe people who have been in their position who are now applying what they learned in the career field ... shows students the light at the end of the tunnel ... provides a goal for the adult learner ...
This is a great way to re-motivate our students and bring back life to the classroom. Either by having someone come and guest speak or taking them on a field trip. The tough job is finding the speakers and planning the field trips so that everyone gets the most our of the experience. We have taken students on a number of field trips that I just didn't feel that the students took complete advantage of, but more so just a day out of class. What can change the mind set of the students and how can we build the excitement in the classroom?
Field trips remind students why they are working so hard in school--it can be like a light that directs them forward to their career goals.
encouranges the students!
As an ex-military officer, the use of field trips (Battlefield Tours) provided a visual, practical and 'live' demonstration of the operational art that we were teaching. In addition, using 'Guest Speakers,' be they former officers, politicians, academics or SMEs helped broaden the students' perspective. I also believe that by being part of the 'audience,' you not only improve your own knowledge, but you can also get a sense of the students reaction to the subject.
David
In my opinion, field trips and guest speakers add an element of reality to studies, as well as a more secure feeling that the students will be able to handle their new vocation with some level of comfort.
I don't know about guest speakers, but field trips are important to show students what place all the ideas and concepts they learn in class have in the field. They see that these ideas aren't just vague theories, but that they must be used and applied regulary by people working in the field the students hope to enter. The stuff they are learning has practical value and regular application. Hopefully, this helps them see the value in what we do in class beyond just getting a grade.
I offered my students to shadow me at my job because they were all clammering for more field exposure, however given the opportunity, none of them took advantage of the opportunity.
You can help students to have experiences they wouldn't normally have.
Hi Elizabeth:
Right! No better way to engage student and inspire them than with a field trip. Usually these create leflong memories and and can contribute to better student performance too.
Regards, Barry
With field trips, students become immediately engaged in the content of the class. They can see the application of course content in practice and may reflect on how the classroom learning so far looks in the "real-world" setting.
Field trips are a great way to motivate students.
When I was going to school for my RN I remember in my next to the last semester the class ahead of us came as guests to share their experiences in taking the boards and finding a job, completing school, it was exactly what we all needed to boost us up through the remainder of the program.
A field trip can remind a student why they are in school and working so hard for his or her goal. A guest speaker can bring a career to life for a student by sharing real life experiences.
Field trips are the best learning experience, it shows the student what actually goes on in a work enviornment.
