Guest Speakers
I have questions. Who is qualified to be a guest speaker? Should s/he have graduated from the college in which I am instructing or can s/he be an employee in the field? What kind of education will s/he need? Where do I find this guest speaker?
I think having a guest speaker would be beneficial to the course, however, I don't want to bring in someone whose work ethics and opinions aren't in-line with the college Mission and Goals.
Since we are a specialized business college, we have had guest speakers who have graduated and are working, own their own court-reporting firm (so the students see them as potential employers) and so on. However, just recently we have been entertaining the notion of having students who are nearing the end of the program come in to speak to students who are perhaps in their second year. That way, instead of there being a perceived "distance" between the student and the working graduate, or employer, there is a "mentor-like" relationship between the speaker and the class; the less advanced students can ask the advanced student questions that they may feel are immediately applicable to their present problems. Also, they have the benefit of seeing their "speaker" on campus and continuing the dialogue!
Hi Ramona,
Anyone who has experience/knowledge based on your students chosen field of study,
and they can motivate and inspire your students. Generally their education level will be what your students are trying to obtain or higher. Graduate guest speakers are awesome, and your students can be used as source to help you find great guest speakers along with your placement director.
Patricia Scales
