I have used recent graduates as guest speakers to encourage current students. A recent graduate can relate to the experience and is in the best position to offer possible solutions. I also invite actual managers from the field as guest speakers because they represent the present and students seem to sometime appreciate hearing from actual practitioners than academics.
I teach in career school and is a part of our program where previous students come and share their experience with the new students. Also some of them have jobs and they discuss their role out in a field and how the program helped and prepared them.
Having a guest speaker as part of your class agenda, really helps students have a clear image of the real world work environment.
A guest speaker bring his/her personal style to the classroom, and this is often a welcome breakv from the routine. A new face, a new presentation, a new MOTIVATION. Guest speakers are often viewed as "superstars" in their respective professional field, and students then have something to look forward to and work towards ("Maybe one day I will be invited to be a guest speaker at a vocational school...")
The discouraged student may get a jolt of renewed motivation and energy , and the quitter may reconsider quitting. "If he can do this, then I can do this too!"
Guest speakers share their real life experiences with students it create better learning environment.
Many times students see us as "just the instructor" even if we tell of our years of experience in the field. A guest speaker brings the "realness" of the field to the classroom. Several times I have had previous students come back and tell the current ones to pay attention and get the needed skills because they will need it for their national exam and clinical positions. A few have even apologized for doubting us.
Guest speakers are amazing! As the PD, I require the faculty to ensure each cohort of students to have two guest speakers in the classroom every term (in addition to one field trip). The speaker always proves to be a breath of fresh air, for not only the students but also the faculty. After a period of time, students can start to become too comfortable with the instructor and can tend to be dismissive towards the lessons being taught. A guest speaker reiteriates what has often been said time and time again but a new face often makes the student sit up and really "get it".
Guest speakers are invaluable for motivating students to continue on their learning path. Every two months I bring in a guest speaker who is well-respected in the profession and community and who is passionate about their work. The students are always uplifted by the speaker's commitment and knowledge and many decide to utilize the person as a mentor afterwards. It is a win-win strategy for keeping students motivated.
Hi Carolyn,
I concur! Guest speakers speak from the perspective of having experienced the book theory.
Patricia Scales
Hi Carolyn,
I agree! Guest speakers can turn book theory into real life.
Patricia Scales
Hi Phyllis,
Awesome! I like how you pick your guest speakers based on key topics. I can see how this type of activity generates great excitement for the students and the instructor alike.
Patricia Scales
I use guest speakers so they get a different view on their particular field. They help with mock interviews and answer personal questions the students have about their field. The students love get engaged with the speakers and it makes them excited to finish their program and go out and work in the massage field, it makes them better prepared after graduation.
Guest spakers can interject a tone of reality that perhaps an instructor cannot if the instructor does not have the opportunity to practice in the field of studny. Also, guest speakers can always help keep learning materials current and updated.
Guest speakers can strengthen the concept that you as an instructor are truly a subject matter expert; therefore increasing your credibility as a presenter, educator, and teacher.
guest speaker can give written materials, even though there are eal-life cases for them to respond to, life and breadth and depth that is so often missing in just written material.
Guest speakers present an avenue of participation and dialogue for students that is clear, concise, and relevant. This additional information can assist the student in knowing if they have chosen the correct career path.
Often a guest speaker can interjet a degree of enthusiasm and practicality because they are active in their field of work.
A guest speaker who is an active practitioner in the field can bring more relevance to the material and how the material is used in real work situations.
I have specific guest speakers on key topics who do bring relevancy each semester. Example: Bone and Tissues transplant issues: The coordinator of the regional transplant Assoc. presents specific generic cases and often brings a recent transplant recipient with them. This adds tremendous relevancy to the related nursing responsibilities of the care of a potential donor patient. Stimulating each time for students and the instructor!!!
A guest speaker can serve to confirm the importance of what they are learning.
I am currently attempting to contact a former student who graduated several years ago and is successful to come in to discuss how he uses the material he learned in class when he was a student.
