guest speakers
I found that using guest speakers are very motivating to the students. The students become inspired and it gives them a boost to do better in class. I have always gotten positive response and feedback from both students and guest speaker. I recommend to all instructors to bring in a guest speaker in the middle of the term to recapture and peak their interest again.
Paula,
Getting students motivated is sometimes a difficult task in a class that meets regularly for a sustained number of days, weeks, or months. A good guest speaker, however, is a sure fire way to reengage and raise the motivaion bar a notch or two. I have only had one less than wonderful guest speaker in many, many years. Usually, this activity is extremely reliable and effective in getting students "re-jazzed" about their career choice.
Barry Westling
I agree guest speakers are great. They can tie in elements of the class that they may be more suitable to talk on. We all have our own specialty and if we can get someone in that field to speak its more motivated to the students.
We have had success with combining classes and guest speakers. Often we will bring in a guest speaker and have multiple classess attend. This also allows instructors to pool their reasources and network their field contacts to other instructors.
I agree as well. Guest speakers can add a lot of new energy for the course
I agree that using guest speakers are very motivating to the students. I like to use guest speakers to help student decide what direction they would like to take their career. It also helps them decide what continuing education they want to take after graduating.
