employment skills
it is important to have outsiders address the students
I agree that having current empoyees in the field of study coming and speaking to students, not just the perspective employers.
Maryalice,
Anything to expose the student to the real world helps.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Training a student with the skills needed in their profession is just a part of the students' learning experience. It is very important to have someone from their chosen profession to come in class as a guest speaker and talk about the aspects of their profession as it really is.
Bertha,
If instructors can add mock interviews with their students throughout the program they can develop their skills over time.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
Having companies conduct mock interviews on students prior to graduation will help students better prepare for real interviews.
robin,
Bringing people from industry or providing students opportunities to be involved out in the field reinforces what they are learning.
Ron Hansen, Ed. D.
I do believe it is very important to have outside companys to be involved with the schools through not only for externship sites but also being part of the board of directors and as guest speakers within the classroom.
We feel strongly in our program that having professionals in the field speak to the class is imperative for the student. It helps them to understand that we *do* know what we are talking about. But more important that having the professionals speak is having past graduates speak to the class. It reinforces the learning, encourages them to keep going as there is light at the end of the tunnel and reminds them that there ARE success stories. It also makes them want to be one of the students who come back to speak-like a badge of honor.
Theresa,
Often guest speakers confirm what instructors discuss with students about the realities of their chosen discipline. Thanks for the post.
Dr. Ron Hansen
I agree that having guest speakers in to address the students helps keep their vision of completing their program viable. It is important to work with Career Services. They work closely with the employers and should be able to recommend a guest speaker.They can also help with recommending a graduate.
