A guest spealer
A guest speaker is important it gives a different perspective
I agree guest speakers are a welcome break for the instructor and the students. It livens up the semester and allows the students to hear a different view point on the material from someone working in their field. But beware; Guest speakers may not be prepared for the today’s students. I have had great guest speakers and also horrible ones. All were professionals in their field; the difference was that the good ones were also great presenters. Most students today want edutainment and this is hard for the not so seasoned presenter.
Tracy,
I have used past students as guest speakers for many different reasons. Balancing work and school, questions on extership, attitude, and getting and maintaining a job in their field of study. I think its easier to find guest speakers for medical related classes. We have used speakers for dress for success programs for professionalism and interviewing. If you are a career school teacher, try calling the current extern sites and see if anyone come in and speak.
Beth
Cheryl,
It is great that alumni are able to serve as guest speakers for your course. They unique experiences as students, can serve as great motivation for your current students.
Tremayne Simpson
My team will often invite students who have completed externship and been hired back to the class to share their experience. Students enjoy hearing from the perspective of a peer.
True. Sometimes you have to add things like this to make it interesting.
A guest speaker can offer real world experience so that is not only exciting but encouraging. definitly a plus in the classroom!
Kassy,
Excellent suggestion! In addition, I would add that it is important to share the course syllabus with the guest, so that they will be aware of all the assignments and lessons that will be provided in the course. This will help them establish their "speaking points" and "agendas".
Tremayne Simpson
Yes, I totally agree. I always invite graduates of our Ultrasound Program to be guest lecturers. The students see that, though the program may be challenging, there is "light at the end of the tunnel"
One note of caution regarding guest speakers is for the instructor to inform the speaker of the lesson's objectives. It is easy for a speaker to come in with his/her own agenda ,and not follow the instructor's intent.
I work in the tutoring center on my campus. Since I work with many departments, I often guest lecture in classes on math and science. This is particularly helpful to both the students and instructors. The students learn differently from different instructors. It also helps the instructor to give them a chance to observe different teaching styles and approaches.
I find that guest speakers have a great impact on my class. I invite as may as I can. I want my students to get another prospective. of the subject matter.
I completely agree that a guest speaker can add to a course. I have many years of experience in the field that I teach in, however, there are certain areas where others may have key knowledge and stories that the students can relate to. I have used guest speakers to present on certain topics and the students have loved it.
Heather, I had to laugh when I read your post. I still work weekends in the field in which I teach. One weekend a student came into the office where I work and did a double take. She said "Mrs. C. do you really work here?" She was amazed to find out that I really do still practice, even though I tell my students stories from personal experiences at work they look at me as a teacher, not an expert in the field.
I wonder how to get across to students that I am a subject matter expert without sounding like I am boasting?
I totally agree. Students are able to hear about the same topi from a different person and possibly a different perspective.
I like to take the students on a field trip to the guest speaker's environment, it gives everyone a whole new perspective on the subject and shows how it all can be applied.
As a Dental Hygiene instructor, I bring in guest speakers from oral hygiene pharmaceutical companies. They have the expertise on the product or subject and it gives the students a different face to look at that week!
Guest Speakers are a great source of information it allows the student to get a realistic view of what is expected of them once they graduate.
E.Segura
Tracy,
What subject(s) do you teach?
Tremayne Simpson
Sometimes when a guest speaker is not available I like to bring in a fellow professor who has knowledge in the area we are discussing. The students love it and it a easy way to add excitement to a course
