I think they would be very valuable. It is an example of reinforcing relivance of the class content. What can doing well in this class do for you?
I also agree. An outside speaker who has no impact on students' grades is less intimidating to them than the instructor. Also, students sometimes see their instructor as just that--an instructor on the topic, not a professional in the field, regardless of our experience. Hearing from someone whose full-time job is in the field may seem more "legit" to students. Like you said, they like to hear it from someone else.
Guest speakers are a great asset to have in a class. It gives the students motivation as to where they can go after taking this class.
I brought in a National Guard recruiter and it was received well by my class. Some even signed up.
Hi Heather,
You are right! A graduate guest speaker does not have to be the PRIZE student. It can be an average student that overcame challenges, but are now doing very well. We tend to have more average students than prize students, thus making things more real.
Patricia
Hi Katharine,
Reassurance is definitely promising and motivating. Our students need as much pushing as they can get will trying to reach their goals.
Patricia
In my profession it shows the students what tools they will have once they work in the industry. It also gives them a chance to network.
I normally try to bring in a student or former student- one who is either further ahead in the program or one who has graduated. I make sure that it is one that I have taught. I ask them to share their experiences with the class- how tough it was, did they ever feel like giving up, etc. I then ask them to share how passing the class felt, how it is has helped them to get where they are now, etc. I try to have a student who was not necessarily at the top of the class- I find that the majority of students relate to another student who has struggles some.
My guess speakers for my Algebra class tend to be business owners, and professionals that continusly uses Algebra in there daily routine. And, whenever they perform a guess lecturing they show the students how relevent Algebra is. For Example, one of my guess lecturers was an Architect, she showed the class how the Pythagorean theorem can be used when verifying her measurements when she is designing homes and buildings.
Hi Rachael,
I concur! Guest speakers are a valuable resource, and they really add reinforcement based on what we teach students. Guest speakers can also be used as a great networking tool for our students.
Patricia
Hi Pascale,
Guest speakers are fabulous, and they are like magic by bringing focus back to unfocused/unmotivated students.
Patricia
I think it is a reassurance to the students that there is a "light at the end of the tunnel", that their goals are obtainable and there is proof that it can be done. "If they can do it, I can do it too".
In my opinion guest speakers can strongly influence these students by instilling self-confidence and increasing academic performance.
I believe guest speakers are a great resource in reenforcing the students goal of obtaining a resourceful successful career. The student can envision themselves surviving the challenges school and life brings and see that the rewards in the workforce are still obtainable with staying committed to their mission. A guest speaker is reassuring to the more challenged student.
The value of having a guest speaker is that they can share experiences and explain things in a way that you as an instructor may not be getting across. This provides an alternative opinion and unbiased. The speaker can provide a different point of view which may help someone understand the situation better.
Gary Piontkowski
Hi Ken,
Students enjoy hearing guest speakers, they really do give students a break from the same old things in class, and they can really add reinforcement to what has been taught.
Patricia
First of all, I believe that having a guest speaker helps to break up the monotony of the class repetition. It will reengage many students by hearing from someone else. Also, if the guest speaker is a professional in the field that is relevant to the class, then it validates a lot of the course material and the class itself.
Hi Deborah,
Guest speakers certainly do motivate our students. Our students need as much motivation as they can get to help keep them focused.
Patricia
Gives them motivation to see someone in the field talk about their job
Hi Jackie,
I like that, success inspires success! Our students have a lot going on with their outside life, anytime we can do something that will inspire them, we should. Guest speakers are very inspiring.
Patricia
