GUEST SPEAKERS
I've noticed that guest speakers in the classroom provides students with information about the field they are pursuing. These speakers are able to help students understand the importance of acquiring knowledge and utilizing it in their careers.
Robert,
Very true. Past graduates can be a "surprise" success because students realize hope and opportunity for themselves in the achievement by others.
Barry Westling
I like when old students come by and talk wiht my class. It really gives them an opportunity to get buy in from someone who isnt paid by the school
Ruth,
It's good when an outsider is able to reinforce some fact or point the teacher has made or wants stressed. It also builds credibility for the teacher, and may instill a bit more confidence in the teacher by the students.
Barry Westling
I like to schedule my guest speakers toward the end of the course, or at least after I have already introduced the topics to be covered. That way, there is a greater likelihood of reinforcement. Students tend to receive the speaker's comments with fresh interest, as literally a "new voice", even though the concepts may be repetitious.
I believe that guess speakers are a great idea to have in class.
Justin,
That validation is a side effect of having good guest speakers. If pertinent, I think it's OK to ask a guest to make sure they cover "XY and Z". That way, that reinforcement is highly likely.
Barry Westling
It's funny how a guest speaker can really help reinforce what the instructors have been teaching. I can see the light bulbs go off when the speaker talks about a subject the students learned in class and express how important it is in the field. It's a nice little bit of validation.
Hi Demelece,
Students don't always see their instructor as someone from the real work settin (a false perception). A guest speaker can fill that void by answering student questions and sometimes reinstilling the enthusiasm the student had when they first enrolled.
Barry Westling
