Beth, I agree it is just the presence of having someone besides yourself in the field come into the classroom that makes a difference.
I think using guest speakers is extremely important! Every term I tell myself I will bring in more. It doesn't matter how many times we as instructors can stand in front of a room and say something, it always seems to stick in more when it comes from a guest speaker. It is as though the students selective listening kicks in and they don't hear it from us. Guest speakers give students just one more example of real world experiences.
Depending upon the speaker, it can have different effects. A person who is an expert in the field allows students to see the value of their education in that they are witnessing it in action. Additionally, they can ask questions regarding real-life situations. If the speaker is a person who has successfully completed the program, the students will be given the opportunity not only to see a success that is directly related to their lives, but also, have the opportunity to ask questions of a person who has had experiences similar to their own.
I think the best guest speakers are graduates - it enables current students to see that it is possible for them to be successful.
Hi Eugene,
Guest speakers can really shed great light about the real world. They are such a valuable resource for the classroom.
Patricia
Hi Sharon,
Students do like hearing a different take. They thoroughly enjoy hearing from someone else other than the instructor all the time.
Patricia
I have used guest speakers on several occasions in my class and have found it to be extremely beneficial. I feel like the students like hearing a different take on the subject matter being studied.
Guest speakers provide a real-world, flesh-and-blood illustration of the value of commitment. Almost no one achieves professional respect and standing without overcoming discouragement.
Hi Tracey,
I have a similar situation in my job readiness class. It is a two way street, the guest speaker comes in and speaks about various topics pertaining to the workforce, and they are able to network with students to place them in various positions. Students are really excited about the opportunity because they can possibly land a job.
Patricia
Hi Jack,
Students need to know that in the competitive market of message therapy "cookie cutter massages" are not going to get it. The therapist that is creative and unique will stand out amongst the competitors. Great idea of bringing in a guest speaker and giving the guest speaker things to cover.
Patricia
Hi Susan,
Guest speakers are the best! They are a great source to add validity to what has been taught. The students love guest speakers.
Patricia
Hi Audria,
You are right! Guest speakers are a great way to validate what has been taught. Students really believe us once they hear it from someone else.
Patricia
Guest speakers also add some variety to a class. We all get tired of same old, same old. It's good for students to hear another experienced professional's perspective and can renew interest in a familiar topic.
This breaks the "mama bear" image from students. It helps back up all you say but for some reason, like our children students hear it when it comes from someone else in the feild.
Hi Roseann,
Students love it! It is one of the most useful resources around!
Patricia
I agree with Patricia, I use former students as guest speakers. When the students hear it from another former student they seem to relate to the situation. It works for me. Try it and ask for feed back from your current students.
Hi Joel,
Application is very important to discouraged students. Once they see that theory can be applied in the real world a sense of excitement comes about. Guest speakers can really speak highly about application.
Patricia
I have had several guest speakers and the students love them. I teach Dental Assisting and have Dentist come in and speak to the students. I love it when he says what he expects in a dental assistant is the same thing I have been teaching for the last 6 months. The students finally realize I really do know what Im talking about! It also gets them excited in wanting to start their career. I have also had previous students who come back and talk about what they took for granted in school and now regret it. It is someone students can relate to because this person has been in the same position they are in right now.
Guest speakers serve as a valuable resource for students. They give the students a sense of "real time" experience in the wortking field.
Guest speakers allow students to see where the information they are learning can lead them. In my experiences discouraged students don't find value in what they are learning, but guest speakers allow them to see a practical application of the lesson.
