Guest Speaker
I find that using guest speaker is a good way to provide the students with someone who is currently working in the field and discuss some important topics that will assist in the learning level of the students.
It is extremely important to choose only guest speaker who are comfortable in the setting of addressing a large group and confident about their skills.
What other techniques could be used to pick a valuable guest speaker?
Paul,
For me, I think a good guest speaker can change the whole tone of the class to one of interest, focus, and inspiration for students to want to work to achieve some of the experiences the guest speaker describes.
Barry Westling
Paul,
Great. Outsiders who bring a glimpse of the real world of work the students are training for is a unique opportunity for learning, as well as motivational for most.
Barry Westling
Prior to the term starting, I review my list of potential guest speakers and match topics with chapter discussions. As the course comes to a close I choose speakers that can relate case study type information, to stimulate informed conversation. When I introduce a guest speaker, is when the company background, job discription etc, comes up. If speaker stays after class, then that is when individual q & a takes place and perhaps discussion about the company. Class should be topic as it relates to company and the guest speakers experience.
I bring in guest speakers on a regular basis to keep the students updated on the latest technology and operational procedures throughout the business community. This also gives various business' in the area the opportunity to become acquainted with the students and opens the door for future employment for the students.
Roderick,
Right. It's important that what a guest brings to the students is something interesting and useful to them that they will be able to use is a practical way in the work force. One way to assure this is by informing the guest what topics you want covered, or letting the guest know what has been covered and what needs more reinforcement. Just like other resources, the guest speaker has to be effective or another resource should be chosen. If the guest is chosen for you, then the best thing the teacher can do is to make sure there are a lot of pertinent questions the students can be prepared to ask.
Barry Westling
I agree with the lesson where guest speakers should not only be dynamic individuals who can addressed the students interest, but giving enough information regarding the class material the course is covering, what has been covered, and what are future lessons that the speak can provide information that the students can relate to and take away a deeper understanding.
In my previous experience when the guest speaker was chosen for me, the speaker promoted the company he represented but did not address anything that related to the classroom topic or things that would help them in pursuit to their career aspirations and thus felt the speaker was a waste of classroom time.
Irina,
Your own experience demonstrates the value and memorable impression left with you from having a guest speaker. I think guest speakers (and field trips) are unique training adjuncts unlike most other instructional resources. Some students may have only vague ideas about certain aspects of the profession their program is preparing them for, and a good guest can help clarify and provide a perspective that could resolve many unanswered questions. I'm all for having guest speakers.
Barry Westling
I believe that guest speakers provide valuable information to students. They're not only breaking down the routine of classroom activities, but open a "window" to real world careers and/or accomplishments. In fact, I still remember all guest speakers during my education.
Mary,
You-Tube has a lot of related videos. You can also try TED.com, which has extremly inspiring and shorter video clips on a variety of motivating topics. Many of your professional associations have videos and webinars where you may find some useful material. Many teachers have found great sites but they have to hunt around to track them down. I guess it's a bit of "no pain, no gain". Happy hunting!
Barry Westling
Mary,
Graduates:
They are familiar with the program, approachable to ask questions, and most always enthusiastic. This can bring a fresh sense of optimisim to an otherwise "so-so" attitude some classes become infected with.
Vendors:
They have the connections and are willing (and wanting) to share what they know. Another good source for networking.
Civic or Service Clubs:
These folks are well connected in the community. once a request is solicited, the need can spead surprisingly fast throughout the organization. And these are often made up of folks who are really wanting to share what they know.
Good luck!
Barry Westling
Love the Idea Do you know of a goos web site where I can find Short motivating videos to show in class?
What is good way of getting a guest speaker? I'm having a hard time finding one
Mary,
I have found nearly every guest speaker I've ever invited has offered some important or valauble bit of information. The effort and planning is definitely worth it!
Barry Westling
maybe someone the students are intrested in listening to
Steven,
Great use of a valuable resource! I think as guest speakers go, recent working graduates bring a unique perspective to sharing information about the profession. Their level of enthusiasm is high, their familiarity with technical information is current, and they know the program (the good and the bad), and put a good positive spin on it as they relate to those who are closest to the current students. Students can relate better to "one of their own".
Barry Westling
I currently have a group of students who are in their first semester, and unsure about their choice to attend school. I find it beneficial to ask an alum from our school to come in and speak with my classes to let them knwo what they can expect from the remainder of their classes, and how to balance family and personal obligations with school work. It also helps to have the alum be successful in their career field, because it helps to motivate the new students to stay in school and get out with a skill set that will afford them a great job.
Philp,
Thanks for sharing. You're right, there are a lot of web-based "guests" that can potentially offer useful information. Yet, the in--person guest speaker can add a dimension unlike other resources can. The ability to ask questions, to hear a diiferent perspective specific to requests from students or the teacher, and the unique information someone working in the specific profession brings can be very motivalional, and inspire students to get jazzed about their profession.
Barry Westling
We have found that a physical guest speaker is not always necessary in this age of technology....web based guest speakers are becoming more popular in our industry. This allows the ability to access professionals from around the world without the expense of travel and allows for a more comfortable setting for the speaker.
Guy,
Terrific. I suppose it'd be possible to have too many field trips, but I doubt it. If I get in 1-2 per session (20 weeks), that'd be average. Could I do 10? No, but even so, what students get from these are so beneficial, if I could arrange more, I would.
Barry Westling
