Making field trips and guest speakers a part of instruction
What are the benefits students get from taking field trips and listening to guest speakers?
Thomas,
Yes, a break in the routine is often a welcomed treat. When students begin to visualize themselves in the actual work setting, they can get quite enthusiastic about their studies, realizing they will soon be out in the work force doing some or many of the activities they may see during a good field trip experience.
Barry Westling
Field trips are extremely benenficial. They can certainly be a "reality check" for some and reinforce the passion in others. It also breaks away from the normal daily routine which I think both students and instructor enjoy.
Lynne,
Someone other than the regular instructor, whether it be in a field trip or as guest speaker is bound to provide a different spin on things, have a different background or experience, etc. All of these nearly;y always make for more interesting classes.
Barry Westling
Field trips help students get a feel for a real world work experience. It also allows them to see how their skills might be used in a non-traditional setting. For example for veterinary technicians, touring a zoo or research facility instead of the more common clinical practice. Guest speakers bring the real world to the classroom and for the most part are enthusiastic about talking about their chosen profession. This gets the students excited about their chosen career path.
Gerardo,
Right. And that different perspective can add to understanding, information, or other variables about the work setting that a single instructor alone could never provide fully.
Barry Westling
The same goes with field/subject knowledgable speakers. They bring a different perspective than the instructor's to the subject at hand
Alan,
I agree. A good guest speaker seems to nearly always give students a boost in their interest and enjoyment in their classes. I've seen students become greatly inspired following a good guest speaker or field trip, to the degree they begin to buckle down and focus more on their students. What a great motivation and engagement activity!
Barry Westling
Being in the advertising/graphic design business, I have always found both of these to be useful additions during the semester. Students love having the opportunity to get a first hand look at an advertising agency. Having guest speaker's from the 'real world' come in to the classroom is a real plus for the student to inquire personal knowledge in the field. I know that both of these were instrumental in my decision to enter the field.
Stephanie,
Great. I think students are naturally curious about the potentially facinating world of work they're training for. Whether its a guest speaker or field tyrip, students will ofcten get a chance to see for themselves or ask very pointed questions abouit thye professional or work setting. This can be an invaluable experience that will be remembered a lifetime, especially if the guest is dynamic and passionate about their topic, or the external field trip provides access to areas not normally available at school
Barry Westling
I teach both middle school and adult education. Middle school students see field trips as a great way to get out of school for the day. They don't really see the full advantage or intention of the trip. Teaching adult learners at night makes field trips difficult as most businesses are closed prior to the start of classes.
Guest speakers are completely different from field trips. Middle school students look forward to hearing from someone other than the teacher. As a careers teacher in the middle school setting, I partner with a local credit union. The credit union has volunteers that speak to my class several times a semester. Their presentations reinforce what I have taught the students, only this time they are hearing it from an employer in our school community. It adds validity to my lessons.
Guest speakers in adult educaton bring the "real world" to the students. "What will I be doing in day-to-day activities in my new career? Is this something I will enjoy or should I pursue another area withing my selected mjor?" These are questions adult learners often ask themselves during a guest speaker's presentation. This opportunity allows them to ask questions of someone in their chosen career field as well as being networking for jobs after graduation.
Caleb,
I wholly agree. I feel field trips can be so motivational, it can inspire even marginal students to begin to buckle down and I've seen positive changes in attitude and class performance as the result of the effects a field trip provided. It's also great when students see firsthand some aspect they've only read or heard about in school. It can help reinforce the credibility of an in structor as well.
Barry Westling
I feel that students should get as much exposure to their subject as possible. As an instructor you can only provide them with so much information, and from only one view point. Having guest speakers is great because it offers the students a different way to look at the information they have already been studying. This really helps them retain subject matter.
Field trips are great because they keep the students excited and engaged in the subject they are studying. It fuels their excitement to graduate and start working in the field. It also gives a bit of tangibility to the information you have been providing as an instructor
Gerardo,
Field trips are really awesome, and I don't think I've ever had a student complain they felt the time was wasted. The degree of motivation and inspiration can be quite amazing.
Barry Westling
I implemented field trips for every class that I teach, after my second year as instructor, I found these to be an invaluable tool to engage students in the field that the are preparing to practice.
They love the field trips, and also allows them to see how is applied what they have been tought in class.
I think, field trips are great teaching resource.
Wilmanie,
I agree about the inspirational effect a good field trip or informative guest speaker can bring. Often times some students who've been a bit laid back have been seen to get energized and motivated after a good special activity such as this. That's a great value added for students who feel school is just so-so.
Barry Westling
Guest speakers is always a hit with students because they get to see firsthand an individual who have made it to the other side. It gives students inspiration and hope that, "They will make it after all". In term of field trips I remember taking an art history class and one of my assignment was to go the Metropolitain museum of art in New York city. It realy brought everything into perspective for me and made me appreciate the class even more.
Molly,
I've used senior students, recent graduates, and long term graduates. What students and new graduates lack in experience they usually can make up for it with practical knowledge, enthusiasm, and speak more as one of their own. It has worked successfully. Also, daytime faculty you know who might want to come and share an interesting experience can liven things up too.
Barry Westling
I am all for field trips and guest speakers. It breaks up the monotony of lecturing. And it brings the real world into their classroom. I believe it can also ignite some excitement and passion and urge them to participate, study harder and improve attendance.
As an evening instructor field trips are not really an option and guest speakers are hard to come by! Any suggestions for getting speakers in the evenings?
Christine,
That's cool. Students usually enjoy another voice from a person with knowledge, even if it's the same or similar information. What's good is students may hear a different spin but they are engaged, interested, listening, thinking, and therefore, benefiting from the experience. Activities like that are definitely worthwhile.
Barry Westling
