Guest speakers will enable students to gain insight in their areas of interest. The shared information allows students to decide whether to continue or redirect their career choice.
I like to use guest speakers for a couple of reasons. One they can reemphasize the course topic and maybe show a different side to it and two it gives the students someone else to look and listen to. This can also help them get reengaged.
The value of the guest is that it gives the student an opportunity to see a real world example of what can happen if they do not give up. I constantly remind my students that life happens and how we deal with change is the real success.
A guest speaker gives the student a fresh perspective of the subject matter. It also gives the student the opportinuity to experience someone elses enthusiasm of the career field.
Guest speakers can be a valuable tool in the classroom environment. They have the potential to motivate students by showing them a person behind a title. Another aspect is that when students see people they can relate to succeeding, their goals become more attainable. I share with students how I dropped out of high school and now I have a Master of Education degree. I am able to help them see how they too can make it.
I've found guest speakers are a valuable tool in keeping students who are discouraged from quiting. My course starts with physics and algebra which usually makes half the class want to quit within the first week if not the first day! By bringing in former students who have completed the course, the students realize that they will survive the difficult portion and enjoy the rest of the course. If also emphasizes the importance of the first portion of the course and reinforces the need to start in this manner.
Hi Paul,
It is good for our students to know that no career is always rosey, there may be some struggles, but through it all, the good out weighs the bad. When students hear this testimony from a guest speaker, they tend to believe it more than just coming from us.
Patricia
Hi Kelli,
I concur! Guest speakers can bring real life happenings based on textbook theory. Guest speakers are valuable resources and a great way to network as well.
Patricia
The guest speaker can share with the students their experiences and how things are working well for them now that they have completed his or her own education.
Guest speakers can share their experiences in the real world to help students cope with what they may think they will encounter vs. what they will actually encounter. All situations will be different, but having the person who is actually in the field speak on what it is like is always helpful to students, especially when the speaker can share their struggles and how they were able to overcome them.
Hi Rebecca,
I agree! Guest speakers have great stories to share with students as they relate to book theory.
Patricia
Hi Jo Ann,
I agree! Guest speakers really validate and reinforce what was said in the lecture. Students tend to believe guest speakers and take what they say to heart.
Patricia
They don't even need to be " success stories " , but perseverance stories. Success is a relative term , and means different things to different people. I prefer having someone who had to overcome obstacles and work hard to attain the position that are presently in.
Our school has used guest speakers extensively , mostly in a " workshop " situation. I have sat in on many of these even if they did not pertain to my courses. I find that they provide a different point of view as we all have our area's of expertise. Sometimes they work and sometimes they do not. The trick is to match the speaker with the proper subject matter that interests the students. I give the students a few choices on what subject " they " would like to have someone come in and speak about. The students are more involved when I do this.
I incorporate guest speakers into each of my classes. These speakers are professionals in the field of study for the students and I have them talk on topics relevant to a chapter in the text book and pertaining to real work force situations. The students have been very attentive, take notes, and ask questions during the Q&A session. I also can tell them the same information in my lecture, but having it come from a guest speaker lends more weight to the learning objectives.
This is sn excellent wsy to bring practitioners from the field to share future potential career options and share real life scenarios that are applicable to case content.
Guest speakers offer a variety of benefits. For the struggling student, a guest speaker can bring clarity to how the course is relevant to their career. The speaker can also motivate students who may be struggling with life events. Guest speakers can also break up the monotony of lectures.
Working in distance education, I have wanted to try having a guest speaker in to see if it will increase attendance at live seminars. The technological issues that can occur concern me.
I agree, hearing success stories is a great motivator to pursue completion of course.
Hi John,
When students can relate to the guest speaker, the presentation is no doubt very beneficial. Guest speakers have given a lot of students encouragement and motivation to continue their education.
Patricia
Pick a guest speaker who can tell the students about their own struggles to reach success. Students will see that they are not alone dealing with difficulty in their studies, and in overcoming obstacles of life. If they can relate to the guest speaker's story, maybe they will relate to that possibility they have to overcome the things that were discouraging them. And then you are there to tell them, "That's right! What do you need to do next?"
