Having a guest speaker can and/or should hopefully get the student back on track. In hearing what happens in the real world from real life examples will for sure get the students attention and hopefully keep them interested. It also puts the student a little bit more at ease.
Hi Bridgette,
Graduate guest speakers are especially nice to have, they have awesome testimonies that are very inspiring.
Patricia
Hi Beverly,
Nice response! The graduate guest speaker can speak from the perspective been there done that and look at how successful I am. Great testimony!
Patricia
The value in a guest speaker talking with students who are discouraged or about to quit is, it gives the students a practical way of seeing the subject matter. It also helps them see other careers and opportunities in using the subject.
Guest speakers give students a different perspective on the course content than what they normally get from the instructor, particularly if the speaker is a former graduate of the school. Further, a student who is discouraged, or is on the verge of quitting the course, is often encouraged by the fact that the speaker has endured many similar struggles and yet has succeeded. Utilizing this type of community resource is beneficial for all students because it illustrates for them that their struggles to achieve their goals are not in vain.
If the guest speaker is someone who works in the field the student is studying, I feel it would make a huge difference in the student's attitude. It would give the student the opportunity to see where they could be in the future, and give them motivation to stay focused and meet their goals.
Great idea and many co worker/instructors for specialty area guest speakers
Hi Sandy,
Overall, guest speakers are excellent. As mentioned, if they don't work out don't ever use them again. Use the best and try others.
Patricia
I have had guest speakers and have found that since they are new and have different styles from mine and that they are experts in the one area that the students respond well to having a guest speaker. If I find they are either over the students head or the students don't respond well I just don't use them the next term.
It gives the student a picture of their future and what they are striving for.
It's great if you are able to get a graduate to come in and to talk to your class about the situations they faced while they were in school. Guest speakers my also confirm what you have been saying to your students the entire quarter.
I feel using guest speakers is a real asset for my classes. I bring former students, who are working in our field of study. They have alot of insite for the student who is struggling as well as for those ready to go out into the field. These speakers have been where these students are. . . They have gone thru the non-supporters,money problems, child care, job obligations , etc. But thru it all they made it and they tell all . . . You can do it too!!!
it is a great resource for students and it gives the instructor some back up information to refer to when teaching certain subjects.
Guest speakers are a great way to may a change in the typical classroom enviroment. I like to use past students or people in the field that have the knowledge to talk with the students about their particular field of study.
It gives the student an oppertunity to see what the possibilites are if they follow through with school.
Using past grads as speakers who have been in the same situation is a great ideal. I will start using this more in my classes, especailly in the more advanced classes.
A guest speaker, especially a former student, is a valuable resource. New, tired, or discouraged students need to believe that their goals can be achieved. The speaker is tangible proof that it CAN happen to them. They can ask the speaker questions and get renewed and rejuvenated.
Guest speakers can add excitement about their career path and renew their interest in why they enrolled in school.
I thought this was an excellent idea. It will show the students that others have been in their situation and succeeded and encourage them to be successful.
Hi Todd,
Yes, it is! We have to motivate them to keep their eyes on the prize...graduation...career and $$$$...
Patricia
