The "right" guest speaker can bring a number of benefits to a class, not just in terms of learning, but also as a way to encourage unmotivated students. A guest speaker brings a different perspective. The background of a speaker may motivate students who believe they can relate to the speaker. The speaker has experiences that are different from the professor. The student benefits for the cumulative experiences of the teacher and guest speakers. The guest speaker also provides the students with great opportunities to network.
We allow our students to sit in the Senior Internship presentations - which occur during our finals week. This enables the students to listen to the soon-to-be graduate as a source of inspiration and achievement. We invite other classes and offer it as an opportunity as a "guest lecture" time. It works for us - and the students only want to build upon the success of their peers.
Hi Michelle,
You are on point. Sometimes the discouraged student simply needs a boost. Having a successful graduate guest speaker who had some challenges, but made it, is an ecellent way to prove to students that in spite of it all, you can be successful.
Patricia
A guest speak,especialy a former student or alumni who has been in the discouraged students place is agreat driver. The dicoruraged student can see what they can aspire to become if they will only hang in there. They can see the light at the end of the tunnel and this can improve their chances at graduation because they will no longer feel like they are theonly one to ever go through teir particular challange.
Depending on your class, guest speakers are great. If they can provide real, up to date information about what is really going on in the world I think it's helpful. A guest speaker should not just be a time filler. Students know the difference.
Hi Beth,
Students really do enjoy guest speakers. It is an awesome time for the student to pick the guest speaker's brain. A guest speaker really does add a lot to the course.
Patricia
Hi Rochelle,
Yes, it is always nice whenever students can hear from someone else other than the instructor. It is definitely a plus whenever the guest speaker says exactly what the instructor has said. Guest speakers can certainly add validity to what has been taught or what will be taught.
Patricia
very good they get another view point it also may bring fresh ideas
I really like to have guest speakers in to help students see real people who work in the field they are studying to enter. It seems to really give them a chance to ask those questions that linger in their minds. It also gives a fresh look at current workplace practices.
Hi Eula,
Continue to utilize her every opportunity she can give you. It sounds like she can even help place graduates. You have made a great connection with a valuable resource to your students, your institution, and you. I love guest speakers! They are the best!!!!
Patricia
I have found using guest speakers in class helps students visualise the importance of the education and how it will help them achieve their goal of working in that field.
I utilize a guest speaker as often as possible, whose position is with a Medical Placement Organization in the local area. Following her last presentation, the motivation of all students was a complete turn around. Not only did she reach the discouraged students, she motivated the students that were actually focused and on track to making the remark of "I cannot wait until I finish and find a job and work in a Physician's Office." This same comment came from a student whose attitude turned from negative to positive. My only regret is that she has a very limited amount of time and it is difficult for her to come back as often as I would like.
In this case, having guest speakers can be invaluable. Many times, they were in similar situations that many of your current "close to quitting" students find themselves in. In fact, they likely experienced the same external and internal pressures that many of these students are having. Because they have "been there," so to speak, they can often relate better to the students than you. And they can also offer practical advice on how to overcame the obstacles many of these "close to quitting" students are having, many that you may not be aware of.
To follow up on that, these guest speakers may also be aware of helpful resources that you are not. They then can offer these resources to your students. In fact, many of these guest speakers often become a resource themselves.
Another invaluable service these kind of guest speakers can provide is as a role model for success. Students can see for themselves that someone in similar circumstances can "make it" and succeed. This can offer much inspiration and encouragement. These guest speakers can admit that the road to professional success may be difficult but not impossible. And they may offer encouragement and practical advice on how to stay on the path. They are living proof that success is possible.
A final contribution that I find these guest speakers make is in job awareness and job satisfaction. I try to get a guest speaker that is working in the field they studied for and is enjoying it. Then this guest speaker can encourage the students that all of their struggles and effort that they put into their "schooling" is worth it. Unfortunately, many of the "close to quitting" students only see things in the short-term and do not see anything long-term. Many of these guest speakers help the students to develop more of a long-term perspective.
In conclusion, I have found that many of these guest speakers get more out of their talk than the students they are helping. For them, it is a confirmation of just how far they have come. And for many, that is high praise indeed.
Ken Sell
Hi Peter,
In what ways did the graduate guest speaker motivate your students. They are certainly very inspirational to students.
Patricia
A graduate guest speaker has motivate my students and i do like to use them in my class
I often have a guest speaker come in during my energy classes. I have a basic knowledge about the chakras, energy balancing etc. However, I like having a Reiki Master come in and share his/her background and continued education. The students usually get much more excited about the continued education in this area.
Hi David,
Just as students learn from guest speakers. We as instructors learn things from guest speakers as well. Whenever an HR person comes to speak to my job search class, I certainly pick up pointers too. Guest speakers are great for everyone.
Patricia
I will use one guest speaker a term. The reasons include the speaker can give a different perspective on the subject matter, allow a "class break" from me and I can learn new information and techniques from the speaker for future teaching. For example, I've used a guest speaker for conflict resolution and anger. She offered information that I was not aware. She used class activities that I could use in future classes.
When I had a guest speaker in my class, I found that the students were very engaged and excited. they were able to understand what the speaker was explain, but made it more relatable when hearing from someone who was doing this specific topic on a daily basis, and made the topic more exciting and relatable. By getting a student who might have been ready to quite hear from a guest speaker, it made the class more exciting and made them feel more confident in there career choice.
I had a guest speaker not long ago, and by hearing something that I had taught them about, one got them more excited, because they understood what he was speaking about, but also got them more excited about real like and being in the field. Also I found that the guest speaker helped them hear things differantly other than the way I was speaking it to them. Students were very engaged in with the speaker, had lots of questions, and in turn made it easier for them to understand the program and the requirments.
