A guest speaker can ignite the fire that somehow the student lost.
What I would want to do is ask the student if there is anything that I can help them with. I am here to listen. What can I do to get you back to the excited person you were a couple of weeks ago?
I have used several guest speakers in the industry and they have all been beneficial. perhaps it is the speaker themselves who may not be engaging?
The use of a guest speaker is valuable in the aspect that they can offer encouragement to the students. A guest speaker was once in the students' shoes and understands the trials and tribulations that one must go through to achieve their goals. They can act as a role model: I achieved my goals and you can too !
A guest speaker can change up the monotony of classroom instruction, and can provide opportunities for students to have a better view of their own future career options.
For me I use a guest speaker in every section of one of my courses. This speaker goes through the same material I will cover in class but does it from another perspective. It helps reemphasize to students that I do know what I am talking about and they get the same information. It helps build my credibility and I find if I do it early in the course students are more likely to interact in class. I think it helps them see the relevance and be more likely to stay.
Amy Rogers
Hi Jay,
Guest speakers are just absolutely wonderful! They really add flavor to the theory that has been taught!
Patricia
I find that having someone who is "doing" what the student is learning motivates the whole class not just the student that is thinking about quiting. This is one of the best ways to get the student thinking about what they can accomplish by completing the course.
A guest speaker will help to motivate the discouraged students. The speaker helps these students to see the relevancy of the course material and how it relates to their chosen career.
Jay
Hi Annette,
Absolutely! Keep your eyes on the prize! There truly is a light at the end of the tunnel. Guest speakers help keep hope alive for students!
Patricia
It is always really helpful when a guest speaker comes in and talks about their learning past environment and experiences. It shows my students that someone else has walked through the fire and suceeded! I utilize guest speakers as much as possible.
Hi Warren,
Mixture is good for the students. Students need a variety so that they won't become bored. Guest speakers solidfy things taught in the classroom.
Patricia
using guest speakers will hopefully shift the mindset of a student who may be on the fence about school. Seeing a professional from the community come in and speak about their job may really be that push the student wants. Many of the 'on the fence' students really do not want to quit school. They want that push - that encouragment - the excitement to continue with their education choice.
Bringing in a recent Grad is a great opportunity for the students to get a real feel about their future in their chosen profession! Gives the students hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that they can do it!
If you have a student who has graduated from the same program they can discuss with the class their experiences and how they made it and what there out come was when they completed.
It can really help them with two things. First it will show them the value of education. Second it can lend practicality to the coursework--which is a key component of learning. Adding speakers adds variety which also helps students remain engaged.
Many times even if the instructor is involved in the business the students are interested in, the students still only look at him or her as an instructor. Bringing in someone with expertise in the business invigorates the student about the learning experience so as to eventually enter the business field.
Hi Teresa,
Guest speakers are really motivating. Sometimes it does students good to hear from someone other than the instructor.
Patricia
Hi Jacqueline,
Guest speakers are awesome! Students are really lifted by guest speakers. You are right, I too learn from having guest speakers. Even as the instructor it is good to hear someone else's perspective.
Patricia
Hi Cheryl,
Yes! I absolutey love having guest speakers due to what you have mentioned as well as guest speakers adding validity to all the things that have been taught in the classroom. Guest speakers present from first-hand experience. Students are truly motivated by guest speakers.
Patricia
Guest Speakers are great resources not only for the students but for myself as well. I am always learning something from them. There has been times were students were not motivated until the the guest speaker is speaking on a specific topic of interest to the student(s). I always give my guest speakers 2-3 topics (small bites) that I would like them to speak on, than we have 20-30 minutes of open discussion which I find students really get involved in. I have found that guest speakers sets the tone for the students who were discouraged and now they are encouraged.
