Classroom speakers or field trips
I have found to make a change of scenery really helps the student attitude in class. It shows them that what we are talking about in the work world is real. I have used police officers that are friends come in and talk about law and ethics or pharmacology with drugs. Also taken the students to tour an emergency room to see what it is like to work as a medical assistant in a controlled and uncontrolled atmosphere. They are amazed and really respect our opinions when we tell them something about what it is like in clinicals. I have found they tend to do better.
Deborah ,
Students will normally always find something out of the routine interesting. Well planned field trips can be a life changing experience!
Barry Westling
I have my master's degree mentor come and speak in one of the courses I teach. I also try to schedule service learning opportunities as often as possible. Field trips are not allowed due to liability reasons at my institution, so we have students attend health fairs, etc whenever possible.
Laurie,
I believe a good guest speaker can create as much interest, enthusiasm and motivation as a just so-so field trip. In either learning activity, if I make the assignment, to avoid the "show and go" mentality, I will give thought questions or ask for a summary explanation of the experience. Some students will perform this on their own without prompting, but I want all students to be active participants, with a purpose of applying the information to their current or general course studies. I want thought and application, and if an energized student also occurs, that's just all the better.
Barry Westling
