Guest speakers are quite valuable in dealing with discouraged or about to quit students as they give the the students a first-hand perspective of success within a field and an example of it's attainability. The student's interaction with a guest may result in increased confidence, dedication, and/ or motivation. Guest speakers also provide information about real world environments, workflows, current practices, and expectancies.
It will give the students a chance to ask questions so they can qualify if the class will continue to help them based on their interests and the information the guest speaker gives. It also gives them a chance to hear what is the reality of the job regardless if you have also had the same experience.
Guest speakers who are graduates of the same school and program of the students are terrific when called upon. They generally divide their discussion with the ups and downs of their student and professional world. The students enjoy it and we encourage lots of time for a Q+A session.
A guest speaker is great for Student Success, it gives the students MOTIVATION!!!!
Yes it really helps to have guest speakers. Sometimes they can say the same thing that you are but because it comes from another source they remember it better
Guest speakers can help reinforce the teaching points you provide to you students. Because they are "out in the field", the students realize the information covered isn't simply being learned for an exam or quiz, but is relevent to their intended profession. Be careful: make sure you get a reliable guest speaker. One that doesn't show up when invited sends a pretty damning message about the class and, often, about the profession in general.
great resource as long as the students can relate to the speaker
The Value is huge to students who are discouraged or about to quit. When we have guest speakers at our school who are currently working professionals in the industry students tend to look up to them and generally have a list of questions about becoming successful after graduating. Its even more valuable when the speaker is a graduate of the same program that the students are enrolled in. Once they see what they can accomplish all doubt is erased and confidence grows immediately.
I think that having a guest speaker will respark a students intrest in the course.
I frequently use guest speakers in my classroom or on a tour of an outside facility. It always spikes an interest in students who get to meet someone that is working in their field of study. Most guest speaker lectures provide reference talking points throughout the semester.
There is an inmeasurable value of having a guest speaker come in and speak to a class basically because it validates the reality of a student's dream.
Using guest speakers is a great way to have another "subject matter expert" reinforce the things that you have told students about their chosen career path because they will invariably tell them basically the same things you have shared with the students, but hearing it from an "outsider" sometimes drives the point home more effectively.
The guest speakers I have used have really been successful. The students tended to be a bit more engaged and they really opened up and asked some great questions. Another activity I try to do is a "field trip." This breaks up the boredom of classroom and also adds the guest speaker aspect. It has worked well when I have been able to plan them.
John
Hi Kathleen,
I concur! Our students expect us to say great things about the profession, but hearing great things about the profession from a guest speaker takes on a whole different meaning. They get really excited!!!
Patricia
Guest speakers are a great resource to use in the classroom environment. I especially like to have a guest speaker present to my students because it not only gives the class a break from the everyday routine of listening to what their professor has to offer but they now also get a different perspective from a professional person who is current in their field.
It allows students to see the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak, which only motivates them more to want to reach their goals.
I think about the guest speaker as the "support system". In real life, a patient who are depressed; for example, just been diagnosed with cancer, need to hear another patient who had been cancer-free/survivor, how they cope with the disease, and so on. The same as in students who are in despair, not seeing the relevance of not giving up with the stress in life such as academic pressures, and outside school issues. They also need a support system...this is the guest speaker who can speak to them on how they become successful in their academic performance and landed into the job they have been dreaming of.
Hi Kathy,
Having guest speakers is a great way to have students pick an expert's brain. Most of our students are very inquisitive, and this is a perfect time to ask questions about the profession that they will be going into.
Patricia
I agree with you Barbara. I have had the opportunity of using guest speakers and the class not only loved to hear from others in the field but it gave them and me a break from "me"
having a guest speaker can put a new "twist" on the subject being taught. It gives a different perspective to the students. If you have a student who is having "issues" in class, having a guest speaker can breathe "new life" into the way they are thinking, and hopefully turn their thoughts around in a more positive way.
As for the instructor, it is nice to have a guest speaker so you are able to observe your class from a different perspective. Maybe the instructor can pick up some new tips on how to reach their students.
Quest speaker are always a great motivator to the students. They get to see someone in the field and the speaker is always open to any and all types of questions from the students.
