Field trips are vital for students to put their career in perspective of seeing themselfs working in that position that they are training for it is the end of the rainbow for some and it could be the beginning of the rainbow for others depending on were they are in their career and if they want to continue to a higher position.
Field trips contribute to experiential learning. I feel that experiential learning for career college learners serves several purposes/benefits:
1. Provides a refreshing departure from the classroom atmosphere.
2. Can motivate/re-motivate students.
3. Offers a more "hands-on" or demonstration learning environment (in many cases).
Regards,
Jake
Hi Michael:
I agree. Guest speakers bring a surprising amount of information the studentrs are interested in. It's interesting that they sometimes share the same information I might, but it's more powerful when the guest shares it. I think in part, they give a view into what the student will be doining in the real workforce, and that's always interesting to the student.
Regards, Barry
I am constantly amazed by the impact guest speakers have on our students. Our instructors are recognized as content experts, but the reinforcement realized by an outside voice echoing our lessons is huge. One constant of the guest speaker experience is for the speaker to cover something I had said in an earlier lecture, and having most of the class turn and look at me as I smile.
Hi Nancy:
What a deligthful post! It was entertaining and informative. I think you provided great examples in favor of this media choice. Thank you for sharing!
Regards, Barry
Hi Aprilyn:
I think students tend to be more attentive when there is a guest speaker, and by listening and asking questions, they get more out the time spent then they would have if their own instructor provided the same information. Field trips can be really inspirational as students begin to visualize themselves in their trade or work they're being trained for.
Regards, Barry
Field trips enchance the real life approach to understanding the classroom content. As more and more students are "non-traditional" this is a great way to have then put their hands on the topic and remember it.
I work for a culinary college and teach English. One would think it would be difficult to combine a field trip with this! However, I talk about how food creates bonds across cultures and combine a resturant review with a learning experience about culture. We often visit a family run Vietnamese resturant that our All-American/Latin/African American students have never been exposed to. I have the family not only take about the experience in running their establishment before we eat, but I have the teenaged kids talk about what it is like to grow up cross culturally. Surprisingly for most of my students, they relate; even the older students remember their parents and grandparents stories of the "old country" and how that made them feel in the here and now.
The dining then becomes the basis of a the resturant review. What my students don't know is that they will then be exposed to a full lecture on opinion papers and writing on how their heritage did or did not encourage them in the culinary field! It's a fun way for them to remember and easily outline and write a personal paper that they may have been dreading.
Just by a field trip!
It breaks up the routine and keeps the students from being bored.
Hi Richard:
I agree, filed trips can be inspirining. When students can envision themselves performing a particular task or doing a certain job, that can produce an internal desire to do as well as they can in scheool to have the vision realized.
Regards, Barry
In my experence exposing the students to the environment of the hospital and what they will be doing not only enlightens them but promotes their desire to learn even more.
Hi Kristie:
Yes - real world opens a lot of eyes. When students can envision themselves in the workplace, they are more apt to want to try to be better students in class. Also, I agree, most schools can't complete with the technical instrumentation students are likey to see at the hospital, so that is always an added benifit to the exercise.
Regards, Barry
Hi Quesstonnal:
You're right. Student seem to view comments made from employers and professionsls from their field with acceptance and authenticity. Field trips are motivational and can spark the interest of weaker students who fail to see the big picture and value of their education.
Regards, Barry
I think that field trips benefit the students because they see what really happens in a clinic or hospital. Also, they may see equipment in use that is not available in the laboratory setting at school.
The students are getting a real work world view of their topic. Also, the information is disgested better when it is supported through different people's perceptions and experiences.
Hi Jennifer:
I would guess that there are limits to how much a classroom setting can simulate a real restaurant kitchen. Providing an opportunity for students to see the detail you mention would seem invaluable. Good for you for planning these visits!
Regards, Barry
Field trips are a great way for my students to see exactly what its like to work in a kitchen setting. They can see how busy it is and how much attention to detail is required. Its exciting and it motivates them
Hi Amy:
Changing up the routine adds a dimension to the classroom that provides interest and curiosity. Speakers create that kind of spark, and tours do show students a view of their profession not available to the classroom or lab.
Regards, Barry
Hi Eli:
Glad to assist!. Also, someone in your community does something similar, related, or exactly what you teach. Identify 1 or 2 of these people and give them a call. They'd probly be flattered!
Regards, Barry
Students are able to see what is being taught in the classroom applied to the "working environment" first-hand. Guest speakers can be a great form for encouragement and excitement of what is in store for their future and career advancement.
Students are able to see what is being taught in the classroom applied to the "working environment" first-hand. Guest speakers can be a great form for encouragement and excitement of what is in store for their future and career advancement.
