It seems as though guest speakers might add something beyond just motivating students to stay in the program (e.g., guest speakers, who are experts in certain areas of the course content). But, I can definitely see how someone who has been through the program and succeeded can be motivating to students to continue on in their studies.
Hi Christine,
You may want to focus on a guest speaker who brings something different to the class. Sometimes personal experiences dealing with the struggles in the workplace without a college degree and the differences a college degree made can promote an interest. Adult learners can relate to and appreciate experiences.
Hello Patricia and class,
I have a wonderful guest speaker who was not the traditional student. This person struggled through high school for several reasons and college was not her first priority. The guest speaker discusses the high and low peaks of her life and the difference an education has made - she provides examples of careers without a college degree and those with ones and she emphasizes the differences - and it isn't always the money.
I have found that guest speakers are one of the ideal motivators they reiforce you as an instructor as to being a SME
Having guest speakers makes the material real and applicable to the real word. Students are motivated and more interested when what they learn has a real world applicable. They can become stimulated by the material, and understand what someone does with it. They also might take more of an interest in a field and the possibilities in it for them in the future.
The value of the guest speaker is that when he/or she talked to the students who had the same problems,will made them see they can also succeed. The guest speaker is very influential for those discouraged students since they let them see they want through this issues but made it.
Having a speaker that can relate the course content to daily work life is great. Especially helpful are speakers who can share their personal school struggles (balancing school - work - family) and how it prepared them for their current positions. I also like speakers who can discuss how they searched for jobs - it shows the students the different ways that you can find gainful employment.
Dear Ms. Scales,
It is extremely important to have quest speakers come to the school or class to discuss their current achievements and how they too may have struggled with interfearing factors(childcare, financial problems, deaths)while trying to put a handle on required course curriculum. The students will be able to discuss and physically see that they too are not alone in their quest to meet all educational requirements(that will eventually result in obtaining their chosen career goal). Having a quest speaker who attended your college, that now owns a famous restaurant or is a local television personality, is the icing on the cake The the student now feels that he/she too may also become the next "star"! Those discouraged students will certainly be "energized" after listening to your motivating speaker.
Bobby
Hi Daniel,
It is definitely a flip side to everything. Generally, guest speakers are more motivating than demotivating. Students normally are inspired by guest speakers. It is good for a student to determine if a curriculum is not for them beforehand, and guest speakers can certainly shed light in this area.
Patricia
at best it can give them additional insights and possible act as motivation for them to continue in their education. At worst it can confirm their convictions that the current cirriculumn is indeed not for them.
in a career college, it not only can help motivate students, but it gives the class an opportunity to get more concentrated knowledge about a subject matter. for example, in a culinary school, a guest chef from a reknown restaurant could excite the student body by not only discussing their rise to excellence, but also some of their signature recipes.
Sometimes in career education the student does not value you because you teach, you do not do the job they aspire too... a guest speaker who hold the job tey want has a lot of sway. If ou can get the speaker to use key terminology that you have used in class, that helps cement you as an expert in eyes of your students!
Hi Peter,
You are on point! You make sure your students are prepared. I like the idea of having a well-thoughtout question ready for the guest speaker. Continue to serve as a quality educator!
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
I agree 100%. As a matter of fact, I have never had someone turn me down to be a guest speaker in my class. They look upon it as an honor and they're usually surprised when I ask them. My students have always enjoyed guest speakers. It breaks up class, it's relevant to the course, and they can actually see the end goal for their hard work before their eyes. The one requirement that I have my class do prior to a guest speaker, is that they have to do research on the individual or their particular field of study, so that during Q&A time, each student is prepared with a thoughtful question. I have found that this also really impresses the guest speaker as well.
Peter
I find great value inviting guest speakers who have industry back ground or product knowledge. You never know when a speaker will have a "nugget" for students that will act as inspiration.
Hi Karen,
Students love guest speakers. Guest speakers are fantastic motivators. It is always nice for students to hear someone else's perspective other than the instructor's all the time.
Patricia
Sometimes a different perspective is all a student needs in order for them to realize the value in what they are trying to achieve.
Graduates are usually the best choice for drop-out students; especially when they share their past experiences of overcoming their obstacles with the students. It encourages them to refocus on the course.
A good guest speaker will motivate and inspire students for sure. Careful planning helps - it's important to let students know that this is happening in advance. Giving the class a heads up and providing a short bio of the guest speaker will allow them to think about questions they might want to ask.
From the student perspective, I remember being completely inspired by certain guest speakers when I was in school. It's a wonderful mental break where we can see the light at the end of the tunnel and remember why we are working so hard.
I thought guest speakers merely provided students a possible outcome of their education. But as I have learned, the speaker's educational experience through dedication and perserverence has more significance than their career.
