Hi James,
Guest speakers are awesome. They add a lot of flavor/validation to any course.
Patricia
I think this would be very rewarding, helping all the students to realize the relevance of the subject
A guest speaker can be influential in motivating students who are discouraged due to outside pressures and feel that they are "unique" in their plight. Often a person from the "real world" can share their experiences of difficulty that they may have had in the same or similar situation. It is often beneficial to have former students (now graduates)to come and speak...not only can the discouraged student identify with the speaker, but it may be inspiring to hear what the graduate is doing now and where they are working. This can solidify to the student that a future awaits them once they complete their chosen program.
I think it is funny, but teaching is often like parenting. Even though you are an expert in your field, and have worked in the industry the students want to go into, they still seem to appreciate or believe what a guest speaker says or presents. It is like they need to have additional validation of what you teach through a guest speaker. Either way guest speakers have always gone well in my classroom.
Using guest students speakers as a resource is a terrific way to reach students. Even though career college students are usually adults, the "peer" opinion is still very important. This initial "discrediting" of teacher information, could be because of a past distrust of teachers. After all, the teacher is "supposed to say that."
If, however, a student tells of his success in the job market, in the classroom, the younger, less experienced classmates will listen. There is a magic formula in the more experienced student's narrative, but it can be effective in motivating the younger students' behavior and interest in learning. Relevancy is the key, and although as teachers we try to instill it, "peers" will undoubtedly triumph.
I had my first guest speaker recently and I am so glad I did because it made a big difference with my class and helped them get their focus back. It seemed to open the door again for some who were struggling and brought some renewed enthusiasm.
We have not had guest speakers, but we have had past students who have come in and shared thier esperiences. So far they have been positive and I would like to see more of them in the future.
Hi Melanie:
I am having a guest speaker for the first time next week. I hope it works out. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Dena
Hi Marge,
Graduate guest speakers are the best. They can really relate to our type of students. They are a valuable resource to shed light on classroom based theory. Students love hearing the graduates as well.
Patricia
I think it is an excellent resource. A true life learning lesson to hear somewhat else talk about a career, topic or experience. A lesson to learn manners and respect also.
Hi Jean,
Always know beforehand what your guest speaker will present. A list of suggested topics is always great.
Patricia
Hi Sandie,
Graduate speakers serve as a golden opportunity to other students. They can really motivate a classroom of students.
Patricia
Hi Christina,
You're right! They see that the possiblities are fruitful.
Patricia
Hi Cindy,
Guest speakers really bring real world into the classroom. Students love hearing guest speakers.
Patricia
A guest speaker is great, as long as they are dynamic and engaging. A guest speaker can go horribly wrong if they are boring, dry, or not prepared. I have a couple guest speakers that I use because they are very supportive of career schools, but they are also engaging and dynamic speakers.
I have not had the oppertunity to have a guest speaker. I would love to find a few to come in and talk to my classes. I will definetly be looking for them from everything I have read from here it would really help.
Remember to prep your guest speaker as to what is acceptable to talk about. Good prep can reap great benifits.
Hi Cindy,
Guest speakers are proof! Look I did it and so can you! Very motivating!
Patricia
Hi Tom,
You are on point! Graduate guest speakers have great testamonies that are very enlightening to other students! They truly make a positive difference.
Patricia
Hi Precious,
Guest speakers are such valuable resources. They have wonderful stories to share with students. They bring in a different perspective other than just theory from the book.
Patricia
