Hi Yvonne:
That's great. I really like the field trip as it can "open the eyes" of some students who may have only a vague idea about the profession they're entering. Students can become quite motivated from a simple visit to a local setting realted to the profession. As a result, some students may try harder to work to achieve more understanding based on their realization that they'll soon be working in th real world.
Regards, Barry
I have done field trips and had guest speackers for my classroom at least one of them during the term. The students enjoyed it and were exceited about it. It gave them an outlook of what to expect when they will be in the field.
Barry,
Thank you for the wonderful advice!
Alex
Hi Alex:
Your sensitivity to avoid offending a guest is notable.
I think are serveral ways to approach this situation. First I would acknowledge their great knowledge and experience and express your appreciation that they are willing to speak to your class.
KEY: I would then give them a short list of the topics you are currently covering (or want to covered), and politely ask if they would try to integrate these into their presentation. I would also add that they're welcome to speak about anything else they feel is relative and the students might benefit from.
You might indicate that your students have had a particularly difficult time with these topics and to have another expert reinforce it, it would also help to validate your emphasis on the topics.
Most speakers will not mind getting a heads up on what the teachers wants them to speak abot. Also, you can indicate (whether true or not) that your students will be tested on this material so you want to make sure it's covered.
With all that, you shouldn't too much difficulty. Good luck!
Regards, Barry
Hi David:
Networking can happen with field trips.
I think the cool thing about field trips is they can really inspire students to try harder in class based on the experience. Sometimes, some students get a vision of a really awesome possible future, and that vision can be strong enough to change how a student studies, or how hard they work.
They want to be successful, and maybe they perspective about the profession was only a vague idea. Now they have something solid to shoot for!
Regards, Barry
Hi Erica:
Field trips especially are almost magical in their ability to motivate, insire, and encourage students about their career choice. As you say, seeing the real world aspect can create a whole new vision for the student to look forward to, which translates into better students.
Regards, Barry
Barry,
I am interested in inviting a guest speaker to my classroom. However, I would like to talk to her prior to her presentation to make sure that it is appropriate for my group. I am planning on giving her some information about my class. How can I bring up this topic for discussion without (possibly sounding as if I were) discrediting her/his expertise?
Students have given feedback that it's encouraging to see people in their field and to hear from them directly.
I know from my students it creates an out reach for future employment
It is a good break for students to hear and see things that happen in their specific field. I think it is a good motivator to know what really goes on once they get into it.
Hi Ruth:
Field trips are dynamic learning experiences. Guest speakers have a great impact as well, but not as significant as the field trip.
I think the primary reason is students get a chance to actually see some aspect of the real work of work their being prepared for. This can transform a students effort, motivations, and imagination to a degree that many will begin to work harder and try to do their best because they visualize themselves in a potential successful career.
Regards, Barry
Field trips and guest speakers are excellent ways to add variety to the classroom presentation. Just the difference of another person reiterating what you have said makes it more interesting and sets it in the student's mind. I agree with having a sheet of things they need to look for or find out on a field trip because it does keep them focussed on the purpose and they kniow what to expect. I ev en used this when I took my elementary students on the field trips so they could stay calm and know what was expected and at least we had some control while having fun.
Hi Linda:
I think that's terrific and underscores that even recent graduates can be effective resources as a guest speaker. Their enthusiasm, recent experience as a student, and perspective as a graduate can be awesome and inspiring.
Regards, Barry
Hi Diego:
Yes, students are usually quite motivated by the field trip experience. And once thy get a vision of a possible future, they may work harder in class to assure they complete the program successfully.
Regards, Barry
Hi Caren:
Real world opens the eyes of the studnts to possibilities, and that idea in their mind is more powerful than anything we could say or do.
Regards, Barry
Hi David:
The great thing is often topics the the teacher has been emphasizing is validated by the guest speaker. When students see the real world work setting, it can motivate and inspire student to try harder in class so they can be better employees.
Regards, Barry
Hi Tyler:
Yes - good field trips can help reinforce the the importance of some of the course content, which adds creibility to the instructor. They can also motivate students in a way that's may make them work harder as they begin to visualize themselves in the work setting.
Regards, Barry
Hi Racquel:
Yes, field trips are unique in that thy are capable turing some poorer performing students 180 degress through inspired, interesting, visits to future work settings. I think many students may only have a vague idea about what they're being trained for and thye field trip can provide a means to motivate and create a whole new reason to try their best while in school.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rebecca:
It's clear that both activities are unique and almost universally enjoyed by students. So much inspiration, motivation, and determiation to try harder comes from guests or fieldtrips than probably any other activity a teahr can plan for.
Regards, Barry
Hi Megan:
Both activities stimulate thinking, provide hope and encouragement, tend to motivate and inspire, and create a image in the the student's mind of a potentia successful career. I think students will try harder ad work to achieve that vision. Both of these activities are unique learning strategies that are extremely effectiv.
Regards, Barry
