Agreed! Having guest speakers that are specific to the career fields of students in the class is a real learning enhancement. Students respond in a positive fashion -- especially when they are involved in the care of the guest. Too often students take a passive role of merely digesting presented information. In a recent guest experience in my classroom, students were required to participae in mock interviews. Immediately the energy in the classroom changed. Suddenly student discussion spiked about what to ask; how to act; how to prepar; the clas was buzzing with anecdotal comments. In this experience, students were put in the center of the activity. The success of the activity was squarely on their shoulders.
It is very interesting to note that when students are directly involved in a guest activity there is a greater sense of urgency and preparation. Whereas when students attend guest presentations, they often try to do other classwork or fall asleep. it is a challenge to know exactly the right approach with adult students. Thus far, it seems having the students actively engaged with direct responsibility for participation during guest visits makes all the difference.
