Guest Speakers
Having Guest Speakers relating to and pertaining to the course of study seem to break the day to day same 'ol same 'ol of the classroom setting.
In my opinion, this allows the student to ask questions of the Speaker who relates directly to the subject matter.
I teach Professional Development; we had a representative from a local Online Job Listing/Posting organization.
The speaker was able to answer, and ease fears of the high school age student up to the nontraditional student, regarding Resume Writing, Interviewing, and the Job Search from a Professional perspective.
i would love to have someone from my feild come in for a hr or so to give my class a real world education on life in the feild.
Hi Nicholas,
Thanks for sharing the good results you have had with guest speakers. They not only help keep the students interested it helps students to make contacts with potential employers.
Gary
As a Paralegal Studies Instructor, I frequently use guest speakers. It certainly breaks the monotony to have another lecturer. It also help to reinforce my points, if they hear the same information for a different source. I've found that many working professionals (judges, attorneys, paralegals, etc.) are happy to come and speak, if even just for the ego-boost. I also frequently approach these professionals with a "potential intern" proposal. Even though my school doesn't require internships for the paralegals, I have found that many of my students are willing to put in some unpaid hours, for the experience they gain. This potential for free labor is sometimes a motivating factor for my speakers.
Hi William,
I am a big fan of guest speakers and field trips. As you say it gives the students a chance to see their career in action and in a "real world" setting.
I think using guest speakers and field trips would work for every career area.
Gary
Guest speakers can make an even greater impact occasionally if we go to them rather than they come to us. The impact is magnified immensley if the students see and hear within an actual "real world" environment. This may be less possible for one course of study than another, but when possible it can be used as a most enlightening experience.
I teach in a culinary environment and this works well. Which type of course would not be so successful?
Hi Garry,
I pull mine from my field. I have a network of potential guest speakers that I know will make good presentations outlining the real components of the job. I also ask these speakers for other names that I can call to speak. I put their names into my address directory which enables me to keep developing a pool of potential speakers.
Gary
I believe that guest speakers are a great resource for students. How should we as instructors get guest speakers to come to our institutions?
Hi Jacinda,
Isn't amazing that even though you the instructor have said it before it means so much more when said by someone from the field. That is why guest speakers are so effective they help to make the points we need to have made.
Gary
I had my first guest speaker back in December 2007. This gave my students the insite into the real working world of veterinary medicine by actually hearing it from an outside soure. I had already gone over work environment professionalism but hearing it a third time and from a total stranger helped them to understand what I had been telling them all along. Guest speakers are great! I need more!
Hi Stacey,
Thanks for sharing your great results with using guest speakers. They are a valuable resource that instructors need to use whenever possible.
Gary
