Guest Speakers
As a culinary instructor, I think bringing a guest speaker, such as, a Restaurant Chef, General Manager, Banquet Chef and etc, can enhance the learning experience for the students. The students will get a clear picture as to what the culinary industry is about and why it is necessary to learn the fundamental basics before entering the industry. It also keeps the students engaged and enthusiatic.
Being in the automotive industry, I do that as well. Students know first hand what is expected from them when they go out there
Miyuki,
I agree that scheduling guest speakers can prove to be a difficult task for instructors. Nevertheless, the process should not discourage instructors from seeking guest speakers for their courses. The "payoff" far outweighs the effort for getting guest speakers to present in the classroom.
Tremayne Simpson
Obtaining a proper guest speaker is a difficult task. However, it has been my experience that if you are lucky enough to find one they can have a dramatic impact on the class. Not only do you have to find one that fits in with what you are trying to teach but you must also ensure that they will convey the message you are wanting them to. A few term's ago I was able to find such a person. She was a very successful and powerful person within the fashion industry. We met prior to the class and agreed upon the content of the lecture. Afterwards the students could not stop talking about what they learned that class, I found myself in awe of her accomplishments as well and look forward to her presenting again.
Mrs. Hall
Guest speakers add a different angle to the topic and allows the student to see a different face separate from the classroom instructor. Guest speakers could freshen up a topic presented in the daily lecture. It also sends a message to the student that the school is attempting to bring reality into the classroom.
Great idea to incorporate a veteran to share life experiences that may motivate the class possibly at mid mark
I teach court reporting and often bring in guest speakers to my class. The students enjoy hearing about the "real world" outside of school. It's not only educational but motivational as well.
I teach primarily to a military audience and real life heroes truly get the students motivated.
Guest speakers are a bonus for the students. They offer their own experience and pertinent work place expectations to the students in a very practical way. They are a great way to add credibility to what has been presented in the classroom.
Paul,
We have this issue at our institution as well. In cases where there is a guest speaker that could benefit multiple classes, we ask the instructor to hold the session in a larger classroom and promote it for all students. Also, there have been instances where the session is videotaped and played for the classes that were not able to see the guest speaker.
Tremayne Simpson
One problem that I see with guest speakers is this. In our school we have many of the same classes taught by different teachers at different times. Many times the guest can only stay for a certain amount of time, and they miss this class or that class. This can lead to classes feeling that they have missed out or they aren't good enough to see the demo or hear the lecture. I've never felt comfortable with this scenario. Any thoughts on that one?
Guest Speakers
I believe guest speakers are extremely valuable to the students’ learning experience whether it is on or off campus.
As the teacher, I am there in front of them on a daily basis, and though I have been a professional in the industry for over 40+ years, sometimes our lectures sound like ‘mom’ preaching to them about the importance of one skill or another…but bring in a guest professional in and watch their eyes light up.
They must hear from the people who have gone through the school process and then entered the work place. The people who are working in the jobs they want to have, and how they achieved their goals and earned their rewards. Students need the opportunity to ask questions and get honest answers in return. These are priceless chances to expand and learn even more through the experiences of those who have ‘made it’ in the field they want to enter.
(Note - I teach fashion design and we are fortunate to live in a city where we are able to bring in well established designers, pattern engineers, textile artists, buyers, etc. to share their experiences with the next generation. Many of these guests are also open to establishing internships with the senior students, allowing them a chance to see what the industry is about 24/7).
Pattara makes a great point! The students learn another way to perform the cooking technique or they learn another way to start their own business. The students also enjoy and get inspired by the guest speaker or guest Chef. There are many talented people in this world who love what they do and they are always happy to share their passion and talent with anyone who will give them a moment of their time.
Rose,
I agree. Their reinforcement of previously learned class concepts, can take place in the form of "real life" examples, which can provide the student with better comprehension of the topic.
Tremayne Simpson
I find that guest speakers also help reinforce information that has already been discussed in class.
I have also had experience bringing in a guest speaker who has experience in the culinary arena.
I teach English as a second language, so many of my students are not familiar with some of the more technical terms in the culinary field that, although are not used daily, are known by many native speakers.
I find that guest speakers generally manage to hold their interests very well and give them a chance to practice their English on someone other than their teacher.
Linnie,
I agree. In addition, students may have specific, experience-based questions for the guest speaker, that they may not ask to their instructor.
Tremayne Simpson
Steve,
I agree. In addition, guest speakers may broaden the students' horizons, in regards to their career focus. For example, they may hear from someone that has a career in their desired industry, however their exact job title may be new and interesting to the student.
Tremayne Simpson
What better way is there to show your students a "regular person" who shares the same interest as your, as a guest speaker. They must get tired of seeing and hearing the same stories from the instructor everyday.!!
Also, having a guest speaker from the industry can validate what you are teaching in the class room. Students can find out first hand what to expect from their chosen field of study. Often students may second guess what there instructor is teaching especially if that instructor hasn't been in the field in a long time because they've been teaching. A guest can back up the instructor.
