Hi, Don.
You hit the nail on the head. Students get tired of the same old, day in, day out routine. Guest speakers are an excellent way to put the "spice back in life" for these students.
It provides a real-life example of someone who was in their shoes but perservered in such a way as to successfully complete the course requirements.
Other guest speakers are used as subject matter experts who come from the outside to give a different perspective on the course material.
I make an assignment out of having my students bring in guest speakers. Or, I ask students to create a list of organizations and/or professionals they would like to have as guest speakers. I believe this allows students to become more involved with their education and/or career choices. Ultimately, better involved students equals better prepared and engaged students.
Hi Ramondo,
I concur! Guest speakers are priceless, and they help in more ways than one. They certainly help bring book theory to real life. Guest speakers speak from actual experience.
Patricia Scales
They give motivation by representing someone industry who has been successful. The goal seems more achievable now that they have met an actual person who has been succesful
Guest speakers, who are open about the challanges that they faced during their time in school, give discouraged and about to quit students someone to identify with when they are struggling. They provide a sense to the student that if they could do it so can I. If the speaker is willing and a struggling student truely identifies and is willing a short mentoring situation can also be very valuable in getting the student back on track.
Guest speaker shows a different view on the same subject. entirely different focus and opinion.
It is of high value to have guest speakers. Some that I've had come in can relate to the students and the students can see the good outcome of education and what they are wanting to educate themselves in.
Guest speakers can bring a new perspective and inspiration to the class. Students meet someone who has succeeded in their field and find what it took for them to get there. It can spark new interests and possibly solidify goals. The teacher gains new insight into their class. It takes a village to raise a child. Students definitely benefit from having many teachers.
I use previous graduates as guest speaker frequently because it shows how one can overcome barriers and be successful. It boosts the self confidence of current students and gives them something to look forward to.
Hi Jana,
I concur! Guest speakers are priceless, and they are really a breath of fresh air.
Patricia Scales
I have 2-4 guest speakers per term. I love bringing in guest speakers because they validate me. They always speak to my brilliance and THANK and THANK me for inviting them and refer to how many years we have been collaborating together. This is great for students to hear and probably why I am continually requested to do so many Recommendation letters for college entry, jobs, and scholarships. I also love guest speakers because they enrich the students' learning by adding to and reinforcing all that I share with my students. If I can not get the students a physical guest speaker then I look for a GREAT short presentation on Utube. One of my all time FAVs is from Bill Gates and Warren Buffet from PBS (2005). They were at the University of NE and talking with business students. I created a QUIZ like to help students understand the presentation. It is wonderful and always WELL rec'd.
I have not yet had the opportunity to have a guest speaker but I see the value in having someone else address the class.
My day students LOVE for guest speakers to come in and discuss things with them. Not long ago, one of the local medical coders came in and my students asked her questions pertaining to salary,how long it took her to get where she is and other questions pertaining to medical coding. It was a big success!
Guest speakers can increase motivation in the students as they see someone else have success, and also how they can achieve the same end goal.
Guest speakers can be an eye opener to the student that is feeling discouraged because it shows them that although it is hard work that their education can lead them to their goal. The guest speaker can also be a role model to the student by speaking to them about the challenges that were faced when they were going through college.
I like to use guest speakers. First it gives me a break and also gives the students another perspective on the subject. Students can learn that what we are teaching is necessary for their future. Many different ideas and comments can be brought forward by the speaker and the students might understand the topic better from that person's view.
Hi Lisa,
Guest speakers serve as a great resource for our students. They are very inspiring and motivating. Guests speakers make book theory come to life.
Patricia Scales
Guest speakers bring in a "third party" to impart different aspects that the instructor may not have. It is important for the student to see the possible outcomes available through their efforts.
