Beside the real life experiences that attract attention because of the speakers first hand examples they can discuss, the factor of the guest speaker conveying his challenges while in school such as financial, or work responsibilities is an interesting bonus.
I like to have former employees that I worked with in the hospital to come and speak and do inservices on new equipment and technologies.
We use guest speakers often in our instruction. Our guest speakers are chosen to meet our course objectives and outcomes. They bring with them the relevancy of the course material and how they apply to the work force. Additionally these speakers bring a new face and voice into the instruction to help keep the students engaged. Before the guest speakers speak to the class we sit down with them to review their material and discus expectations for their session.
The guest speaker can give a new perspective on life in the "real world". By seeing someone who has been in their shoes succeed in their career, the student can be motivated to hang in there.
Hi Paula,
Guest speakers are very motivating. Some students need to hear the same thing just from a different professional to help make certain things stick.
Patricia Scales
A guest speaker who may have had the same type of problem is a good motivator for students to see that they can succeed and what the outcome is.
Guest speakers can help the students see a different perspective and will help students understand their lessons in a different format. Guest speakers can speak about personal work experiences that may help the student understand the course material easier
Hi Thomas,
Guest speakers can certainly share real-life examples with students. Students are inspired and motivated from hearing guest speakers.
Patricia Scales
Our field can become daunting for students at times due to the ever-changing jobs and business leaders in the field. Guest speakers give the students the confidence that even though the industry constantly shifts, it doesn't mean that they wont be able to keep up as professionals and stay contributing to the industry in a positive way.
I invite the A+ student who has a job to come and talk to my new class for encouragement.
Hi Richard,
Guest speakers are wonderful! Students need to hear from other professionals other than just us all the time.
Patricia Scales
I use guest speakers from the field of study often in my classes. I think the students benefit from hearing a different voice a few times per semester. Sometimes there is a danger of some students "getting bored" with lectures and like someone said in an earlier thread, a guest speaker is like a field trip in the classroom".
Hi Ryan,
You have it! Guest speakers have a wealth of information they can share with students. Students are inspired by guest speakers.
Patricia Scales
Hi Patricia,
Yes, graduate guest speakers add a lot of flavor to the course. Graduate guest speakers are super motivating.
Patricia Scales
If the speaker is someone who has been in the field for awhile and knows what it takes to advance, it can make a positive statement to the class. It can help with focus and understanding of what is expected once the student gets into the real world.
I have had a guest speaker came into the class who was a recent graduate, working in \the field. It was amazing how her enthusium affected the students. It was like they were reenergized and excited again!
A guest speaker, carefully chosen, may provide insight to a career or careers of interest. They may show what is attainable and also demonstrate to a student that problems and frustrations arise in every field of study but, that doesn't mean you quit! A graduate guest speaker is even more valuable as students can identify with, and make a good connection to, the speaker
A number of our students return to let the instructors know how well things are going in their lives. When these opportunities occur I always stop the class and pull them together so the graduate can explain to them what they our doing in their chosen career field. Students our always curious what it is like in the work environment and the success stories as well as reinforcing that education is the avenue to a new future.
I love having guest speakers, especially former students that now are successful in their field. The students identify with them as a peer and gives them an peek into what their career life may look like
Hi Raymond,
Guest speakers are priceless, and they add a lot of flavor to any course.
Patricia Scales
