A guest speaker is a bonus because they represent a real live person in the field.
As referenced in many of the posts, the field trips and guest speakers bring relevance to the area of study. They see "practical" or "real-world" application of the material. A couple things that I find help - is if you do a case study or research assignment in advance of the trip. This makes the students more knowledgeable, and they ask better questions. I also have them prepare a list of at least 10 questions prior to the trip. Another opportunity is for the students to do a mini-project for the organization they visit. I had a team create a marketing plan for a specific department at the hospital - based on research and analysis of the industry and customers - and the students and hospital administrators loved the experience. Good luck in your teaching everyone!
Field trips and guest speakers allow for the students to see and hear different perspectives. This inturn gives them a better understanding of the lessons to be presented.
They get to experience the atmosphere of the facility and staff.
I believe that the benifits are numerous. The student gets a hands on real world feel. The students passion is usually regained by a field trip as they are out the the normal class environment and are seeing a new way or seeing what they could be doing in the future. I find that a field trip refreshes a students spirit.
Hi Heather:
I think field trips should be mandatory. They offer so much and can't be duplicated in the classroom, yet they can have so much impact on students.
They can inspire and motivate like no other activity. For some, they can visualize (maybe for the first time) themselves achieving something worthwhile and earning a good living. For many, that's a powerful inner drive, that can even make students wirk harder in class as a result.
Regards, Barry
Hi Heidi-Jo:
It REALLY heightens interest. So many students can be really inspiraed by a good field trip, so much so they will begin to do better in class.
When a students gets an inner drive to succeed, there's not much to impede that inner motivation and drive, and field trips and good guest speakers can create that.
Regards, Barry
The benefits that students gain from taking a field trip and listening to guest speakers is real life experiences. By taking the trip they can view an actual on the job site and meet those employees who can share their experiences and expectations of those coming into the career field.
Taking the students on field trips and having guest speakers gives the students insight on the "real world" setting and heightens their interests.
Hi Chuck:
Good point. I would add that a recent past graduate who's done particuallry weel since graduation can be a great source for a guest speaker, as they bridge the student to worker relationship, are enthusiastic, and willing to share answer a lot of more practical questions students might have.
Regards, Barry
As the instructor of an adult education class,
It is very difficult to plan field trips. I realize the importance and reinforcement that these trips can make on students. However, when it comes to guest speakers, I find that "one guest speakers is worth a thousand words in a text book". Not only do they reinforce the course study, but give very valuble insight into the students futures. More than the lecture, the question and answer period that follows seem
to be more inspiring and focuses the attention of everyone.
Hi Sheril:
Yes, these are the mechanics of these activities. The result can be awesome, even life changing. Providing an inner inspirational motivation to succeed can be a very powerful force that commits a student to work harder in school to be a success in the work setting. When a student can visualize a (potential) successful future for themselves, few will let that dream get away from them if they can help it. These are great activities to add to almost any course and should be done as often as is practical.
Regards, Barry
Field trips help students SEE what they can become if they stay focused. Guest speakers allow students to hear and ask questions about the field they are entering into.
Hi David:
Well, as we progress, we learn the shoulda/coulda's. Theres not another activity that produces the results that field trips or a good guest speaker can provide. It's surprisingly powerful.
Regards, Barry
I definitely agree with you. And honestly i wish i had been given the opportunity to go on field trips when i was still in school.
Hi Diana:
Guests and ield trips inspire students. With an inner motivation, few activities can compare to the desire a student can gain from these important activities.
Regards, Barry
Hi Sara:
The closer to what the student will actually do when they complete their training seems to provide the most realistic kind of field trip. Visualizing themselves doing that work can help focus their studies in class.
Regards, Barry
Hi Bernard:
Sometimes something very simple or basic to the job that a student hears about from a guest speaker or something they see on a good field trip can truly inspire them to do better in class and carry on to the work setting where they become exemplary workers - a manager's dream! (Maybe they become the manager).
Regards, Barry
Hi Jeffrey:
I think it's a beautiful thing when a student suddenly realizes they will soon be performing some aspect of the job their observing, and begin to visualize themselves successful, happy, and providing meaningful contributions to their family. That's a strong motivator.
Regards, Barry
Diana:
Great. Trying new techniques makes us stronger teachers.
Regards, Barry
