It is a great value in a guest speaker in talking with students who are discouraged or about to quit the course. It gives them the opportunity to get the opinion of someone who may have been in a similar situation or who can relate to how they feel somehow. It can also show them someone who has been in a classroom and has become successful afterwards.
First of all, a guest speaker may break up the monotomy of the class lecture, but more importantly a guest speaker may show the relevance of the lecture. Students can gain a better understanding when what you are teaching them is translated into real world experience. Also, guest speakers may have a different perspective than you either in experience or teaching styles, having the material presented in a different way may "hit home" with more students.
Hi Mitchell,
I concur! Guest speakers are like a breath of fresh air to the students and instructors alike. It is awesome when the guest speaker reinforces concepts you have taught.
Patricia Scales
Guest speakers can give students a glimpse of future career opportunities thus illustrating the relevancy of the class to the students chosen career path. In addition to this they can show student they are not alone in the world and others have had to deal with the same struggles to get where the student wants to be. Also, sometimes guest speakers simply add a fresh voice and perspective to the course and make it more enjoyable for everyone, including the instructor.
Hi Diane,
Guest speakers really bring classroom theory to real life. Students love it when they can hear another professional's perspective.
Patricia Scales
I agree that guess speakers add validity to what has been taught in the course. I recently had a recent graduate come in and speak to a class of student who were six months from graduation. The former student shared the trial that she had gone through. She also showed the students that they could succeed as well. She encouraged them and told great stories about being in a controlled clinic in school and being in an actual clinic setting. Students that did not get to attend come up and ask when are we going to have another session for student to be able to talk with graduates.
Guest speakers really give the student a fresh look at what he/she may encounter at work. It may even direct them to think of the different options they will have when they go out on the field.
Hi Karen,
What great ways to get students excited about their future career!
Patricia Scales
I use guest speakers to help the students appreciate their future role in the profession. The speakers often give stories about how their technicians have played an instrumental role in an interesting case. These speakers are usually veterinary specialists who have some cool cases to relate. I also use field trips to facilities with gold standards of care, so they can see their future profession at its best. Not only does it give them a change of scenery, but also, hopefully, provides them with insight about how stimulating their careers can be.
The value of bring a guest speaker has sometimes amazing results for most of the students. By bringing a guest speaker that successful graduate for the program you will give ready-to-quit students a reason to continue in the course and a good example to imitate.
Hi Brenda,
I agree! It is good for our students to hear from other professionals other than us so that they can see/understand that what we are telling them in the classroom is actually the way it really is.
Patricia Scales
A planned guest speaker will present the content in a different voice than the usual instructor, offer unique personal stories, and usually adds a fun element or surprise!
Hi Kimberly,
I agree! Guest speakers also add great validity to when has been taught in the course.
Patricia Scales
The value of a guest speaker in talking to student and sharing his experience is very helpful, because the guest had also the same experience that the students are presently encountered. So they understand that this is part of life.
It gives the student a different persepective on the material and would probably give the student a different persepective on the course.
