Inviting guest speakers to class

Hello colleagues, A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that one of our HSE classes had a guest speaker from one of our community partners who came to talk to students about possible training opportunities. We've also had guest speakers come from the various colleges and the CTE as well as guests who have talked with students about potential financial aid options.

I will have a guest speaker in my class next week. I have invited a former student who is now working as an LPN to come to my class to tell her story to our current group of students. I'd love to hear from members about their experiences with guest speakers. Who have you invited to address your classes? How have students responded?

I'm especially interested in how you prepared learners for a guest speaker. Thanks for sharing your experiences with all of us here on LINCS!

Cheers, Susan Finn Miller

Moderator, Teaching & Learning CoP

Comments

Hi Susan, I love to bring guest speakers to class, former students, community leaders, representatives from social service agencies, excetera. When I prepare students, it is usually by telling the students the goals of the quest speaker and in the building of background knowledge. I wonder, how many programs live stream these presentations, or record for later viewing, so students who are studying at a distance can engage in the special event. Kathy

Thanks for these ideas, Kathy. Before the recent guest speaker came to our ESL classes, my colleague and I had students write and discuss questions they wanted to ask her. After our guest spoke about her experience as an immigrant from Haiti who worked as a CNA for 7 years before entering LPN training and recently passing her licensing exam as an LPN, students took turns asking questions. 

She was so incredibly inspiring.This former student worked as a CNA and took care of 4 children while she was in nursing school. She is now working as an LPN and loves her job. She emphasized to the students, several of whom are also from Haiti, how much commitment and effort it takes to achieve such a goal.

I did video tape her talk, and I hope to share it with other students in the future.

Cheers, Susan Finn Miller

Moderator, English Language Acquisition and Teaching & Learning CoPs