Find a Motivational Speaker to break up the routine
Our school encourages teachers to obtain at least 1 outside lecturer per term in our concentration. I have been teaching onsite for over a year and just couldn't seem to find the right person. I didn't give up though and last month stumbled across a motivational speaker that owes some of the school management some "favors". I'm actually getting a periodic lecture for free. Additionally, as far as I'm concerned, she ranks high on my list of really good speakers. My point here is - keep looking. These folks will break up your class and add energy to the students.
I could certainly use a motivational speaker in the future. it seems to work here.
Hi Kevin,
This has been my experience as well. I rely on guest speakers to reinforce key points that I want my students to really get into their minds. One of the biggest is information about the soft skills or attitudes students need to have in relation to co-workers, customers and supervisors.
Gary
I think the use of a speaker is a great benefit to the class. The educaitonal process is certainly enhanced with a second voice lending credence and perspective to the curriculum taught by the instructor. In adition, the guest speaker is able to provide data from the perspective of a practitioner and expert within the field. Students, I have found, appreciate the ability to speak with someone from "outside" the campus. Not only does it help the campus, students and faculty are able to network with others and enhance the functionality of the institution.
I try to mix it up, having EITHER a guest speaker OR a field trip in every single class. The danger in that is that the students never fail to notice if a course does not have one or the other. And they complain!
I think taking students out into the field to observe real life situations is very motivating. They can get bogged down feeling like that day is never going to come but if the student can be exposed to real life situations in real businesses, it can sometimes give them a huge boost.
Hi Dale,
Thanks for the heads up on how this effort has worked out for you. This is a great way to bring variety into the learning setting while giving the students exposure to a different perspective.
Gary
