I have never used a former student who has graduated as a guest speaker, but I think it is a great idea. I think it would be beneficial if the student share specific obstacles that he/she had and how he/she overcame those obstacles.It lets the students know that what they are going through is nothing new,and even though it is hard , it can be done.
I love having guest speakers in class! It mixes up the class, gives them motiviation and a new "face" to their potential employers, and also is great when it's very relevant to your class material.
Hi Warren,
Nothing is more motivating than to have a graduate as a guest speaker. Graduate guest speakers bring real life to classroom theory. Their stories are super!
Patricia
I think there is a lot of value in having a guest speaker come into my classroom. Either having a past student who is now working in the field or someone else in the field coming in gives the students a new outlook into what it is I am teaching and the importance of what they are learning.
Using a former student/graduate to speak about their experiences in moving ahead in the world is great. Often times students aren't as concerned about their successful career as they are about the struggles involved in growing up and how the guest speaker handled them. If I see a graduate who might be visiting the campus I'll ask if they can come in a spend some time talking about life after school, great to have an impromptu speaker. Good also to give them some topics to talk about that are relevant to that particular group of students.
Hi Shaun,
You are right! Guest speakers inspire students to keep their eyes on the prize.
Patricia
Hi Brenda,
Great practice to implement! Students thoroughly enjoy hearing from guest speakers. Guest speakers bring in a lot of excitement to the classroom.
Patricia
People from the industry as well as former students gives your current students a sense of "this can actually happen". It also gives them soemone else to listen to and to ask questions to. It's nice to switch it up a bit sometimes.
Hi Gilbert,
Wow, I can just imagine the validity he brings to the classroom. Your students need to fully realize how fortunate they are.
Patricia
Hello,
Having guest speakers is essential and beneficial for students. It helps them to see what is out there for them. Sometimes, students might not have an idea of their future jobs or paths and a guest speaker can change that and provide some perspective for them.
We have a retired senior officer who comes to our course and serves as the course "mentor." His presence, his professionalism, and his approachability make him a great resource. He makes it clear he will be there for the entire course and is willing to speak with any student on any subject. Student critiques continuously rave about the role he plays in the course.
I find guest speakers to be a great tool when it comes to motivating my students. I try to include a guest speaker in all my classes to help the students get a real world view of their future career.
to show what they can look forword to in there futur role.
Guest speakers can provide additional perspective on the excitement and reality of the student's chosen career field. They may be able to provide additional insight into the types of jobs that are available so that students might be more motivated to continue so they can ultimately have some of the same opportunities.
Hi Ronald,
Absolutely, a guest speaker is a person who can bring reality to "Keeping your eyes on the prize."
Patricia
Hi Bobbe,
Guest speakers can really make a difference. Students enjoy hearing testamonies from guest speakers. Guest speakers can make a difference as to whether a student remains in school or quit.
Patricia
A great way to motivate discouraged students as well as content ones!
I'm not referring to all speakers, but if you get the right speaker to come in and he or she is good at what they do -- convey their excitement working in the actual field and how it has paid off. it can re-ignite a student's desire and turn him/her around.
Also if the speaker reaches the students on their level -- when he/she was a student and how far he has come -- that's the best medicine for someone contemplating dropping out, or a student who has lost interested in their field of studies.
I have not had the opportunity to personal invite a guest speaker, but I was able to observe another instructors guest speaker. It was inspirational to the students. The speaker was dynamic and thrilled about her new career. She was so articulate and heart felt, she brought tears to the eyes of a student. When I talked to the student afterward, she was relieved to know her struggles are not new and her future is hopeful.
When graduate students come back and speak to the classes, they are showing that it is possible to juggle work, home, responsibilities to accomplish what your goal is.
They can relate to negativity that they experienced as well.
Students, upon returning to the classroom to speak, are very honest in both their assessment of the classroom, expectations from employers,etc.
It provides excellent feedback to me as an instructor as well.
