I have made field trips and guest speakers apart of my instruction. I believe they make learning more fun and entertaining, and they also can provide the students with a different view of what they are learning.
Diane,
I agree it's good for students to see their PD in an active, instructional role. Breaking up the routine with a knowledgeable individual can provide a lift, and an energized atmosphere if the instructor is upbeat, positive and enthusiastic in their delivery.
Barry Westling
I am the program director, so when I do go into the classroom and teach it is as a guest speaker. I think students appreciate seeing me in a different role, and hopefully it gives me more credibility in the students eyes. I am very careful to accept only those lectures in which I feel comfortable sharing, and collaborate with the instructor who normally teaches to ensure that all objectives are met.
Mary,
There is a special connection current students have with their recent peer groups and are able to convey information in way unique to the student-to-student relationship. Usually, while lacking in many years experiences, they make up for it with enthusiasm, personal stories of struggles and successes, and hope that these soon to be graduates can also be successful in the work force.
Barry Westling
I have been teaching at the same college for 4 years. This is long enough to have the first class that was taught be working in the field. Some of the students can work in the same location and enjoy the work. There is another group of students that have learned the information have mastered it and are striving for more. The current students are benefiting from the questions and networking from the veteran students. The field trips and guest speakers inspire and encourage the newest students.
Katherine,
Field trips are cool. They stimulate, engage, invite questions, and project an aspect of the profession usually unable to be simulated in the classroom or lab.
Barry Westling
I love field trips.Students really like seeing the many oportunites they have in their new career.
Jennifer,
I am asked periodically "what do I do if I don't have guest speakers", to which I reply "do you have graduates?". Graduates sometimes don't have years of experience but they bring freshness, energy and enthusiasm, and a sense of hope aligned with the sentiment "Idid it so you can do it". Also, they can relate better to current students then some outsider. Not as a substitute for seasoned guest speakers, but in addition to.
Barry Westling
I think it is so important to have graduates from the program come and talk to the enrolled students. It really gets them excited about their future in the field and helps them know what to expect in externship. I also send them out to do observations in different specialty dental offices so they can see the different offices. The students get a taste for what is out there. I think it is important hearing from other professionals besides their instructor.
Suzanne,
Interesting story. I perform and teach CPR as part of my job. But in my personal life, I've had the occasion to perform CPR four times, just as a bystander. It makes me wonder how lives could be saved if everyone knew basic CPR skills. Anyway, your search for a speaker each time that class is taught is a terrific idea!
Barry Westling
One of the course I teach is Emergency Management. I had our Local Fire Deparmtent come out and show them first hand about emergency situations and even practice using fire extinguishers. I knew my students learned a lot from the guest speakers but I didnt realize how much they got out of it. Until, several weeks later, one of my students had a house fire and was completely prepared. She knew step from step of what to do and was actually greatful for the knowledge she obtained from our guest speaker. Now I have been in search for one guest speaker for each class I teach. Guess speakers really impact students because they are able to give first hand accounts and advice on the topic at hand.
Elizabeth,
I agree. Students usually really like the change of pace, but more importantly, they can garner great information and inspiration from well planned excursions off campus.
Barry Westling
I feel that field trips and guest speakers should be an intricate part of the course. It allows students to hear the information you are providing from a different perspective and it gives them the opportunity to see where their career is going by showing them different aspects of the profession.
Amanda,
This is wonderful when students do actually get to see first hand activities they will soon be involved with. I find each experience can be quite motivational and inspiring, sometimes, even to the degree some students really buckle down and take their studies a whole level or two higher.
Barry Westling
The greatest benefit by far is that students get to see all the things they are learning actually put into practice. It's always interesting to see what their "fresh eyes" notice as opposed to my seasoned ones. Field trips can also help to put topics into perspective and see the interdependency of some of the subjects we cover in class.
Molly,
Yes, tieing in real world experiences into the lesson makes class more interesting as well as stimulates thinking about what job settings might be possible when completion of school occurs.
Barry Westling
They play a big role in my classroom. it gives the students such a great idea of what the real world is like and a snapshot of their future careers. We appreciate when we are allowed to visit and watch the facilities in action.
Sherry,
I agree. I think these should be required curricular standards, but of course not every course is long enough or as applicable or feasible. When they are scheduled, these are wonderful experiences.
Barry Westling
students love the field trips, it allows them to see what we have been teaching
I found it to be a great teaching resource
Jamie,
I find nearly all field trips are worthwhile and often open the eyes of some students who may only have a vague idea of what they've been training for.
Barry Westling
