It shows students that they can do it. They see someone that they can relate to and made it through the struggles of life and college.
When possible I try to use guest speakers from organizations that can offer internships to the students so they can get a realistic view of their intended career early in their educational process.
I have not had guest speakers in the past, but plan to incorporate it into this quarter's classes. My plan is to bring in two seasoned students who are near the finish of their course to demonstrate speaking to a group. This will be done in an Oral Communication class. I think that students will not only enjoy the student's presentation, but it will give them the encouragement they need to believe in themsefves.
There is a tremendous amount of value in having a guest speaker. The discouraged student can see how others have overcome obstacles to make it into the field. Oftentimes, the speaker will hit a common cord with the students by speaking about their own situations. Not everyone has made it in their field by following regular path sometimes they have had to cut their own way.
I have used and will continue to use guest speakers in my class. I have found guest speakers are very valuable in helping me make my students understand the value of their education and what they can do with it. It is important for a student to see what all of their hard work can eventually do for them. I also bring in reps from medical equipment companies to teach my students about there products. It has really worked for me and my students have really appreciated it.
Tammi Smith
Hi William,
Guest speakers have great testimonies to share that the experience was not a cake walk for them, but they made, and if they can make it, anyone can; very motivating. Some students need this type of speil.
Patricia
In my capacity as a site visitor, over the years I've spoken to students in many different schools all over the country and the most common thread seems to be the stress they feel in juggling the academic load with responsibilities outside the classroom. To have a guest speaker talk about how they successfully completed the course and managed the load will provide a visible example of the goal they are all striving toward who sat, not too long ago, exactly where they are sitting. This will help to replace that feeling that "I can't handle this" with thoughts that "Maybe I can do this too."
Use of a guest speaker can incourage students by learning from current experts in the field with experiences that give students the realities of the material.
Hi Coleen,
Try a guest speaker! You have listed great reasons as to how a guest speaker can be beneficial to students. Guest speakers add engery to the classroom.
Patricia
Hi Karen,
Students love hearing from someone else other than the instructor all the time.
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
Although I have never used a guest speaker, I think it is a great idea. They can provide relevant information as to why it is so important for the student to obtain a career in this particular field. They can also provide feedback acknowledging the student's concerns regarding having to work FT while going to school FT. In addition, they can provide feed back relating to other student concerns. For example, they can offer tips regarding how they handled or juggled all of their responsibilities, how hard it was, yet with support of their instructor, family and friends, they were able to overcome any obstacle in order to become successful.
I like guest speakers because I think they give the students a different perspective on their chosen field. Listening to this person talk about their experience and the "real world",as opposed to the insular world of the classroom, brings home the fact that when the student "finally" finishes school, they really are going to be a part of something new and exciting.
Guest speakers can bring more excitement to the subject because it's someone else speaking rather than the teacher. Giving an other voice to the subject
Hi Karen,
Students really become extra motivated and for some motivated after having a guest speaker present.
Patricia
This is a great question.
I love using guest speakers that are currently in the field I'm teaching. I find it gives the students the opportunity to ask questions from someone other than their instructors.
I see a renewed excitement in the students after the speaker was there about the subject also.
I dont really get guest speakers at the clinical site but I do search out the very best therapist on staff and have them spend time with the students. They always talk positive about aspects of the profession and about all they have achieved. The students really soak this up and seem to be inspired by the interaction
Having a guest speaker is a great idea. I have noticed it makes the student more interested. Most students feel inspired and realize that they can put all things behind them and focus on the goal of the student.
Hi Sharif,
Guest speakers really have a lot to shed light on with students. Guest speaker stories are truly inspiring.
Patricia
Hi Shirley,
Guest speakers act as a way for students to really visualize their future success.
Patricia
Hi Andrew,
Wow, what a great story! It is awesome to have your colleague work for you. I let my students know all the time that you never know where your next opportunity will come from.
Patricia
