Guest speakers provide an insite on what the students might end up doing after there course. If we can get a guest speaker and a tour of a certain facility at the same time that can open up the students mind and interest and motivate them to excelle in there class.
Hi Patricia,
Guest speakers are a phenomenal tool for engaging students. Without fail, every time I bring in a speaker, the students will snap to attention. I particularly love it when the speakers reinforce a point I made in a prior session... :)
Not only do guest speakers bring current, relevant information, but they provide career and professional advice.
One trick I've used is guest speaker panels. For instance, I teach an internet marketing class. Because of the significant changes in the industry every year, I utilize a panel because the guest speakers can share differing points of view on industry trends. On some occasions, I'll bring speakers from the same field (all search experts) and other times, I will vary (search, social media, affiliate marketing, mobile marketing, etc.). Or, I'll bring large corporate and small business panelists into the class. The variety provides perspective where students can learn the subject matter, but also professional development options.
Best wishes,
Rick
Guest speakers give valuable information to students'concept in a real world scenario.
Hi Julie,
Some schools will do it, if budget allows. My schools seeks free guest speakers.
Patricia
Hi Daniel,
Guest speakers are truly valuable in many ways. Students enjoy guest speakers.
Patricia
It is always exciting to hear from a guest speaker. From a student's perspective, instead of hearing from the same old routine, there is a shot in the arm, new blood, a new angle, and so on. A guest speaker, depending on the topics discussed, might also be able to validate from the real world some of the ideas and truths that the instructor has been insisting are how the real world operates.
I didn't know that there were funds available to pay a guest speaker.
Guest speakers from the field can put reality into the students thought process. They can plant the seed needed for an image of their "rewarding" career of choice, especially for the student who might want to give up because they can't visualize their career goal.
Hi Julie,
They are great! Some guest speakers do require a fee, but I stick with the free ones because they are just as valuable.
Patricia
Guest speakers are great- I sometimes feel guilty that they are not paid.
Hi Ruby,
Guest speakers are priceless, and they add so much flavor to the course. Students are generally excited to hear guest speakers.
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
Well said. Validation precisely describes the situation in my classroom when guest speakers spoke. It made my day to hear the speakers say the same things we had discussed earlier in class and to hear the students questions and comments afterward.
Hi Ruby,
I have seen where guest speakers came in and students started to realize that what they have been taught is actually being utilized and taking place in the workplace. Guest speakers add a sense of validation.
Patricia
I don't think you can put a value on bringing some one in to talk to your class about the relevance of the course or the importance of perserverance. I teach math and it can be difficult for some who are switching careers or deciding for the first time to go to school. I had a guest speaker come in and talk to them about being positive and not letting their anxiety over tests get to them. She gave them techniques - everything from visualization and positive self talk to physical stretches to help calm them selves down. The students really responded. I think the combination of that and the extra day we took helped them on their second test. Everyone who took it passed!
I agree. My experience with guest speakers was awesome. They talked about several things we had already discussed in class. The one thing that generated the most response was the inmportance of ethics in business. When we discussed it in class, I don't think they really got it. When the speakers talked about it they were more convinced of how relevant it still is in the business world.
Hi Angela,
Guest speakers can really shed light on a lot of things. Students get to hear from the expert in the field.
Patricia
Having guest speakers is a great way of letting my students find out what is available in the industry. (esthetics and Med-spa)It lets them know that there is more to offer than just facials and skin (acne) care.
Hi John,
I agree! Guest speakers can be an inspiration to all students.
Patricia
Guest speakers are not only benifical in talking to students who are discouraged or about to quit the course, they can also be valuable to focus the disstracted student.
I could not agree with you more. I love to have guest speakers in my class. I teach a surgical program and very often some students get board with the didactic part of the program. Bringing in a guest speaker reminds the students why they are in school and what they have to look forward to.
