Get Your Students Hired
I believe that a guest speaker will be an encouragement to a student in the sense that the student can see someone (ohter than an instructor) who is currently working in their field and brings knowledge from outside of the classroom. In addition, the guest speakers we have had have been very professional and encouraging to our students. So, I see a great value in having a guest speaker for an at-risk student.
Hi Clifton,
Guest speakers are very encouraging, and they really put book theory into real life. Students enjoy guest speakers, and guest speakers are very motivating to a lot of students.
Patricia Scales
I've found that guest speakers bring charisma and interest in specific topics that I may lack. I've had published writers inspire students to write their story - a great outcome!
If these people represent those who likewise were on the verge of exiting yet found some vehicle with which to redirect them or encourage them to continue, it would most assuredly aid in strengthening the respective students ‘resolve. Hopefully, the students would utilize it to spring them into the action of dismissing themselves.
at a career college, a guest speaker takes the students into the real world and the instructor can easily tie in the course material. It kind of gives the students a light at the end of the tunnel, and gives them renewed focus on their career goals.
Outside speakers are a great way to get the students motivated. We use them all the time and the result is 100% to the good. Motivation and spirits soar. the students usually get great marks on the test's and exam's
I have used a previous student as a guest speaker without the knowledge of how valuable they can be to students ready to quit. Now, after taking this course, I can see the value. The guest speaker was so excited about her career and I was surprised how interested my students were. They had so many questions for the guest speaker. The value was this ex-students' experience in school, how she progressed into her career, and how she now has a satisfying career. Students that are ready to drop get inspiration from an outside source who has been where they are now, a source other than me, the instructor.
A great value, I have used guest speakers with great results.. Last summer a guest speaker come into my General Business class, and the speaker and the students were engaged for the full class time, 3 hours. In fact they stayed well after the class ended and continued the conversation. I plan on using a guest speaker in my Summer Class this semester. The class is Personnel Management, and the Director of the Juvenile Detention Center will speak to the class. They are very excited about it.
Sometimes the familiarity that comes with seeing a teacher every day can be a liability. Students who have given up may not want to take my advice or even listen to me at all. A fresh face will often be enough to open the ears and eyes of a student and re-engage them. While I would love for a speaker who has worked in the business to motivate them, I would prefer that it didn't need to be anyone that necessarily has that distinction. I think that those who want to learn can be taught, and there are those who have made the decision not to do it despite our best efforts. Some classes and situations require a glimpse into the future to help validate the things we say, but most do not.
Hi Edward,
I agree! Students need to hear it from someone who has experienced things that they are experiencing, yet come out successful.
Patricia Scales
Hi Jackie,
I agree! Guest speakers are priceless. They are the best.
Patricia Scales
Hopefully, these students can create an identification with the guest speaker and use the speaker as living, breathing example of someone who has overcome some of the same obstacles the potential quitter is currently experiencing. The speaker will fill this role much better than any theoretical, successful overcomer and perhaps will inspire them to persevere.
Yes, I agree. Guest speakers not only break up the day, but also seem to motivate and renew the students in a positive way.
If the guest speaker is a Graduate that has secured employment it is really relevant for the student. A guest speaker can be the difference between success and failure for a student that is discouraged.
Hi Carol,
Your thinking is definitely on point! Guest speakers are priceless, and they are so motivating.
Patricia Scales
If the guest speaker is a former student, the current students can hear how they got through the course and identify with it. There will commonly be a need for a little boosting up along the way for most students. Direct questions can be asked and maybe even a mentor program established.
Hi Joseph,
Guest speakers are priceless, and they sure can reinforce/vailidate wwhat an instructor has said.
Patricia Scales
There is real value in having someone who has seen success in their chosen field. A student is most likely about to quit because they don't see themselves or anyone else being successful in the future.
Having a guest speaker can also be a nice change of pace from the regular instructor. Countless times I have been in a class with a guest speaker who states the same information as the instructor, yet somehow it always resonates a little better coming from someone new/successful.
Guest Speakers can provide a valid and believable, "been there" example to discouraged students. The student, or students can realize that they're not the only ones who have been through a discouraging or difficult time in their academic life.
I can speak from three different aspects of guest speaker.
From a student perspective. Not as a problematic student but one who could see the value of an industry professional to get and stay motivated. I can see from the students perspective as to what they need to do to allow themselves to get to work if discouraged.
From a teacher's perspective, the guest speaker was able to say things in ways I could not convey to the student from my "head of the class" status.
From a guest speaker. Sometimes I just saw lights go on as I explained direct from the field experience.