Strategic Use of Guest Speakers

Occasionally invite a guest speaker to your class (or laboratory) provides the potential to be an excellent way to increase student learning. As with any other type of presentation (eg video presentations), be careful not to abuse this tactic. Consider the following guidelines in using a guest speaker:

    Clearly identify your goals by inviting the guest speaker. A common goal is to have the speaker addressing an issue in which the knowledge and / or the textbook is relatively weak.
    Get a resume or biographical sketch in advance so you can prepare a proper introduction to active and enthusiastic speaker and prepare the class for the learning opportunity.
    Explicitly clarify the speaker, well in advance, exactly what the parameters of time and what you want him or her to resolve.
 

 Encourage students to ask questions, but also indicate areas that are off limits, the last thing you want is for the speaker (and other students) to be ashamed.
    Several days in advance, confirmed by phone or e-mail the guest speaker appearance.
    Develop a contingency plan in the event that the guest can not come. Life happens, the meeting was called at the last minute, traffic accidents occur, and so on.
    Preparing students for their expected behavior and role during the presentation. It is possible that some classes of adult students who participate, this will not be necessary. But in case students "not yet come", state clearly what you expect.


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