I have recently invited a librarian to speak to my statistics class to discuss the importance of using the library as an excellent resource. The librarian did a fantastic job in explaining the various methods used to collect data and made the class feel comfortable.
Hi Carmen,
I concur! Guest speakers are proof that it can be done!
Patricia Scales
they get a chance to see a real live person besides the same old instructor. speaking about the feild and what is necessary to be sucessful in the working world.
By choosing a guest speaker who is working in the chosen career field and one who may have had difficulties while they were in school will help to motivate all students. Discouraged students will be encouraged to find that they are not the only ones facing difficulties while attending school. This will show them others have found ways of solving their problems and stay determined to finish and be successful. They will also be inspired by the experiences the guest speaker shares about the rewards of finishing and working in their given field.
A "good" guest speaker can relate to the students on a more level playing field than the instructor because he is in the same trenches and dealing with the same issues. I find it interesting that my students in the HVAC program are discussing the same questions that I did with my fellow students 40 years ago.
Hi William,
I concur, there is more of a connection when you have students, especially graduates speak to the class. Students seem to relate better to their peers or someone who graduates from their school.
Patricia Scales
It is motivating to use a guest speaker. They can see what all of their hard work will bring them.
I have recently learned that many of our guest speakers from the outside do little more than continue to discourage the discouraged. These upbeat and successful folks connect well with those students who, like them, are upbeat and successful. I'm using more current students who are near graduation or have just graduated to talk about overcoming obstacles and succeeding. The struggling student seems better able to connect with these "peers" who seem closer to their personal situations.
Guest speakers are good motivators for the students. Guest speakers are able to share their wide variety of experiences, knowledge, and skills to the students.
Guest speakers give the students in site on what they could look forward to with hard work and dedicating.
It helps students see the relevance of the material by hearing from someone who is an expert in that topic out in the field. I love the idea of having former students as guest speakers.
Hi Deanna,
I agree! Students love hearing from other professionals other than the instructor all the time. Guest speakers can shed a lot of light as to what happens in the real world.
Patricia Scales
Using a guest speaker can help students to "see" another perspective or "hear" another way of thinking about their profession. Every career choice has many facets and options within it, but a student can sometimes be limited in processing at the moment. A speaker brings new, fresh ideas and can broaden the horizon's of students, as well as the instructor. Speakers also encourage students to keep moving forward in their careers and to embrace the change.
This definately will help motivate the students.
This technique is definitely worth a shot. We need to find a way for the student to relate.
I totally agree with your comments. They will be truly motivated if they can relate to the guest speaker.
Hi Heidi,
Graduate guest speakers are priceless! Students are really motivated/interested in hearing what the speaker has to share. The graduate guest speaker can certainly sympathize/empathize with the current student.
Patricia Scales
I have had graduates of the program come in and speak with the students. It is very helpful and it benefits all that are involved.
Absolutely! Also I usually pick up a thing or two regarding instructional methods as well.
One of my favorites...having a personal theme song.
Hi Taryn,
I agree! Motivating others can be tiring! It is like cheering, it is exhausting, but we continue to cheer!
Patricia Scales
