Guest speakers present another perspective to the topic and share expanded information in a specific area of interest. They can validate what the classroom instructor or reading material presents.
Former students are great guest speakers because the current students can relate to them directly. It's possible to visualize a career path based on the education being received when someone who has had that exact education is standing right there as an example.
Guest speakers can motivate the students and they can also give another real life perspective related to the course.
Hi Kassy,
I agree, but it is also just as effective to have guest speakers who did not struggle. Guest speakers are very motivating and inspiring. They are simply a "Breath of Fresh Air."
Patricia
I think it's also helpful to have a guest speaker - who has 'struggled' with the course content perhaps in the same manner that some in the class are now.. it creates some realism to what they are dealing with - and shows success.
Although we don't deal with many students that want to quit in our courses, it is important to encourage all students as to their ability to successfully complete the course. I have found that building on past successes - even if you have to stretch to find them- is a way to keep them motivated to keep trying. Obviously, they all successfully completed something in order to get in the door. It is also useful to share with them that overcoming this challenge will not only better prepare them to take advantage of future opportunities (i.e. work) but also give them an additional benefit of serving as an example of achieving success to themselves, co-workers, children in the future.
Who you use, area of interest, field of speciality and expertise all affect one's ability to efectively reach an audience. If you are not successful in touching the area of interest of the students it may be a futile attempt.
I would say a guess speaker on this topic has the advantage of bringing and expertise and multiple perspectives to the problem. As subject matter experts like myself, we are all to often mired in the subject and daily prepartion to find the time to really consider how to get through to discouraged students
I use past students as guest speakers much of the time because they are very eager to relay their past experiences as students as well as their experiences in the working world, and how their experience in the classroom truly was conducive to their experiences in the "real world." They are also very valuable for the student who may be thinking about quitting because they can tell that student at times they may have felt the same way, but stick with it. For the student who is working in the field they trained for, they can show the discouraged student their success. I have also had outside speakers come in, and their value to the student ready to quit is to let them know that the things being taught in the classroom are not "worthless", but are the preparation for the outside world. Barb Jarosch 1-5-2010
Hi Hector,
You're right! A graduate guest speaker makes it them much more special. Guest speakers add a lot of excitement when they present.
Patricia
If the guest speaker is a former student, then the value added will be bigger, since students can see and hear the benefits of the course from perspective of a former student.
If it is not a former student but a professional or expert on the field, they will learn the same concept from another point of view.
Hi Vicki,
You and your students will thoroughly enjoy guest speakers, especially a graduate guest speaker.
Patricia
The guest speaker dosen't have to have a background in the particular subject that you might be teaching. But someone who has gone through the same frustrations and discouragements of some of the students. It is always good to hear that you aren't the only one that is having a difficult time.
Have a former student return to the class and speak on how they "made it" and what they are accomplishing in their lives now.
Hi Christina,
I believe that is is important to invite the 'right'
guest speaker for a particular course or group of students for this to be effective.
Hi Instructor Scales,
A guest speaker can encourage students to continue on in the program, particularly if the individual is a guest speaker from the same college of university!
I am going to try to do this. I have taught Humanities and English at both career and community colleges for many years but have not utilized guest speakers. I use film, music, and multi-media to get the students attention and to get them engaged in class. I have utilized group presentations, but never thought abt. guest speakers until this class. I will definitely check with my college and see if this is possible and/or encouraged. I would love to have some of the graduates come talk to my Humanities class. Perhaps then they could more easily see the relevance of the subject.
I have found using guest speakers give the students a boost of motivation to what they are learning.
The value of a guest speaker is priceless.The eager and ready students are willing to explore on the first day. The i am not so sure if i want to do this student takes a little longer.I believe both students benefit from guest speakers in their own way.Whether its a former student speaking or a professional who has years of experience is a plus for everyone.
I agree. I have student who has finished extern return to the school with encouraging stories.They give the current students insight about the real deal out in the field. The current students are very motivated about the career they have chosen after hearing about the different experience of previous student who were just in their same seat. I do have to mention i need to schedule more professional guest speakers to speak in class. I know for a fact this too will boost the morale of my students and give them a different perspective based on more experience in the field and on a professional level.
Kimberly Coleman
Having a guest speaker is great. This gives the student some insight on what is really like in the real world. They might listen to some that went through the same coure that they did and may have had so of the same issues that they are facing. A guest speaker could show them what can be achived if they don't quit.
