Carlos,
An outside visitor (potential employer?) who can provide details to one or more aspects of the profession the students are training for can be an invaluable and memorable experience. Another or alternative perspective about the work setting can be instructional, and if students have the abilty to ask questions, the experience can be very satisfying.
Barry Westling
I try and use guest speakers for two reasons. I get newly graduated students from our program to inspire our current students. They not only see that they can get through our program, but see what their future will look like.
From having a guess speaker in the class, students get the direct guidance and benefits from those professionals who already have been successfully working in their field. The positive feedback of learning from real life is invaluable, particularly when a professional walks into the class and delivery what have not been delivered in school. It could absolutely beneficial, no doubt.
Danielle,
Field trips can also be very inspiring. I have seen marginal students get real motivated after going on a field trip, and that event alone turned them around and they became very committed to their studies.
Barry Westling
When student get to go on field trips and to see how their skills will apply in there field. It gives them a better view and idea on what to expect when they get out in the work place.
Harry,
I really like field trips and wish more could be scheduled. You're right, these do add an enhanced angle or perspective on the career choice or perhaps a particular topic.
Barry Westling
A sense of perspective regarding whatever the subject is may allow students to gain some fresh ideas or new "angles" to help them retain information.
Carla,
A lot of programs have an externship as a required component to the program. For those that don't, an individualized externship would be terrific.
Barry Westling
Very good points. Also use of externships would enhance scope of chosen profession if not previously exposed.
Travis,
Students like field trips for many reasons, but most always benefit from them in terms of increased interest, enthusiasm, motivation and inspiration.
Barry Westling
My students receive hands-on traning and expertise in the field and in the classroom. They learn by seeing, doing, and learning.
Murielle,
Great. Getting experiences that expand a students exposure to what they will encounter in the workplace creates more interest and readiness to move forard as a graduate, and also breaks up the routine of daily activities.
Barry Westling
I like to take my massage students on a field trip where they offer massages to residents in a assisted living facility. They get feedback from someone else than another student and teacher and it helps them see how they are progressing.
Albert,
You're right, some speakers can be a bit less than hoped for, either in their delivery, or content.
Barry Westling
Mary,
And students enjoy the break from the routine too.
Barry Westling
I find that having a guest speaker in class creates lots of excitement! It gives students a well needed "break" in the class and allows them to hear from industry professionals other than myself.
I feel the following criteria is important when choosing the appropriate guest speaker:
1. Choose a speaker you KNOW will be engaging
2. I like to choose a recent graduate from the school
3. Make sure the guest speaker begins and ends
at an agreed upon time.
4.Ensure the speaker makes ample time to field questions from students.
This is my formula for a successful visit from a guest speaker.
Albert D'Addario
I find that having a guest speaker in class creates lots of excitement! It gives students a well needed "break" in the class and allows them to hear from industry professionals other than myself.
I feel the following criteria is important when choosing the appropriate guest speaker:
1. Choose a speaker you KNOW will be engaging
2. I like to choose a recent graduate from the school
3. Make sure the guest speaker begins and ends
at an agreed upon time.
4.Ensure the speaker makes ample time to field questions from students.
This is my formula for a successful visit from a guest speaker.
Albert D'Addario
It opens thier minds to the career they have choosen.
Jennifer,
Besides breaking the routine, a guest speaker really does help energize a class who may be a little vague about some aspects of the profession they're training for.
Barry Westling
I love having guest speakers.... It gives a real life approach for the students. Sometimes it helps an additional voice give a reality check to students that are on the fence with professionalism. So many times students feel we are overly picky with the level we ask them to maintain. Having a real life voice helps to drive the point home.
