421 Traditional Field Trips Are Failing High School Students

A spicy LinkedIn post about field trips lit up the internet—and this episode is the why behind the fire.Here is the post that started it all - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/peterhostrawser_disrupteducation-cte-careerreadiness-activity-7382071108952498176-O__x?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=member_desktop_web&rcm=ACoAAAm03zEBGi3ZOO_BO8D4Sr3zhuz2I4cEmLIIn this conversation, Peter and Alli unpack the unpopular opinion that traditional high school field trips often miss the mark. Not because experiences don’t matter—but because too many trips are disconnected, passive, and designed as checkboxes instead of catalysts for growth.This episode goes far beyond buses and permission slips. It’s about intentional design.You’ll hear:- Why most high school field trips don’t actually change student direction or outcomes- The difference between career awareness and career readiness—and why timing matters- How “field trips” should evolve into field experiences, micro-experiences, and real community work- Powerful real-world stories involving Hyatt, Coca-Cola, Calamos, and students performing in front of real executives- Why reflection, durable skills, and value creation matter more than tours and sit-and-gets- How districts can reduce burnout by shifting from isolated teacher efforts to system-wide experience designThis is not an anti-field-trip rant.It’s a challenge to rethink them.If you care about student engagement, work-based learning, durable skills, or connecting school to real life—this episode is for you.Head to www.disrupteducationpodcast.com for more!