I teach at night mostly 6pm-10pm. I find it very difficult for a guest speaker to be willing to come and speak in my class at that time. Do you have any suggestions on how I can get a guest speaker at that time?
A guest speaker can bring a fresh perspective to material and bring it to life as a means in the work world. This can help a student see things differently and possibly be remotivated.
I try to have a quest speaker for our pharmacology course so that they get a feel for what its like to deal with medicine all day and the importance of handling medications. I also try to have a pharmaceutical Rep come into our class to discuss their role in medications and interacting with the doctors office.
I agree, As our reading states the students seem to be able to relate to the speakers if they are a past graduate of the program or maybe close to their age. They can hear and see that someone else has been at the same place they are and has made it to success. They don't have to just take our word for it.
In graphic design, having working professionals come into the classroom as guest speakers to talk about their experiences, both challenging and fun, provides a specific example of the kind of work that the graduate will be doing. This can help to defuse the anxiety created by the unknown and provide motivation to stay the course.
Hi Cathy,
I agree! Guest speakers make book theory come to life.
Patricia Scales
I feel that the value of a guest speaker talking to the students is that it gets them not only motivated but more understanding of the expectations of their career. I have found that when I try to instruct them of what it will be like in their career, at times they may not take it seriously, however bring in a guest speaker, and they finally have this light bulb image on that helps them to see what I have been talking about all this time.
A good speaker can get the students excited! They are usually really motivating and sometime that's all the student may need. A little excitement goes a long way
I have found that guest speakers liven up the class. I'm sure seeing the same instructor in front of the class can get boring. The simple fact that a new face is there with new stories/experiences to share is very invigorating for the students.
Guest speakers can add helpful knowledge relating to experience in a field. Also, by having someone else speak to the class keeps it interesting, rather than listening to the instructor all the time.
I feel bringing guest speakers into the classroom brings reality to the students' chosen career field.
I agree! Successful graduates make great guest speakers, as the current students feel a kinship to them.
Hi Teresa,
Some instititutions have their students establish academic goals at the very beginning of their entrance. The students are met with at the end of each grading period to see how close they are to their set goals. This process helps keep the students eyes on the prize...graduate.
Patricia Scales
we most definitley need to find different ways to get to our students to keep them motive focus the goal they set for themselves
Hi Edward,
Guest speakers are the best, and they can give true meaning to what students have been taught based on the textbook.
Patricia Scales
Hi Adrienne,
Guest speakers are priceless, and students love having guest speakers. For the most part it is not difficult to find guest speakers. You can even give the guest speakers a topic or certain things you want them to address. Remember professionals like feeling important. Start looking for a guest speaker based in your area, and you will find it is not hard to do. The placement coordinator serves as an excellent resource for helping out with finding a guest speaker.
Patricia Scales
I have always found this to be a great motivation resource and one that is always welcomed by the class. Sometimes they need to hear a fresh voice, and some opinions on the real world and what it takes to succeed.
Leon Guendoo
I recently finished my degree at UIC and had several guest speakers for a labor relations class. What made this effective was the real-job applications that made the case studies and theories take greater effect and seem much more relvelant
I always enjoyed hearing guest speakers when I was a student, but I have to confess that I have never used them in my own class (with the exception of librarians teaching research methods). So for those of you who do use guest speakers, how do you find them? Is it difficult to find someone to agree to come? I am open to ideas here. Thanks.
Hi Socrates,
What an awesome way to utilize on-site resources. I am sure your students appreciated this gesture. The library can be confusing to some students, and I am sure clarity was added during the librarian's presentation.
Patricia Scales
