Learning & Teaching

Where does this sit on the Experiential Learning Continuum? 

Learning about work: a short one-time experience that help students understand the key concepts, trends and practices relevant to a particular industry/sector (e.g., linking to real-world examples, inviting guest speakers in).

What is it?

Bringing a guest speaker into the curriculum provides students with exposure to first hand professional insights and sector knowledge. The main benefit for the student is it brings learning to life and connects theory to real world experience.  They can hear diverse perspectives and apply questions. Speakers can include professionals, alumni, researchers, community leaders or others with relevant expertise.

How does it work?

Bringing in a guest speaker would typically involve the following steps: 

• First, identifying the reason for the speaker, how will they enhance the learning outcomes and what do you want the student to take away and learn. 

• Identifying the right speaker so it is someone whose experiences aligns with the course learning outcomes.  

• Planning together - the  lecturer and speaker decides the goals of the session, content and activities and any feedback.   

• Promoting to the students – how will you engage students to attend. What means of promotion will you use? What will engage them to prepare for the event, e.g. readers bios or LinkedIn profile?   

• Delivering the session –formats might include lectures, speaker's panels, interviews, live Q&As.  

• Post-session reflection - activities like reflective writing, group discussion or projects. 

Speakers' can be in person or virtually which allows a wider selection of guests regardless of location. When virtual, you may consider using an OWL device if an AV room is unavailable. The library has these for booking through the IT helpdesk.  They have 360 degree cameras and can capture voices quite far away. They make for good ways of those online to be able to actively engage.

Does it work? 

If the session is well designed, it can work well and help learning by:  

1. Connecting academic theory with real-world practice - guest speakers bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace realities, helping students understand how theoretical knowledge is applied in professional contexts. 
2. Building sector-specific awareness and language - students gain exposure to current industry language, tools, regulations and emerging trends, which boosts their confidence and helps them speak the language of employers.
3. Introducing diverse career pathways and roles - guest speakers offer a window into the variety of roles within a sector, many of which students may not know exist, broadening their career imagination and helping them map potential futures. 

4.  Providing insight into recruitment processes and employer expectations- speakers often share how hiring works in their field, what makes candidates stand out and the future skills valued by employers, offering students a behind-the-scenes perspective. 

5. Encouraging reflection on values, identity and goals. Hearing about different personal and professional journeys encourages students to reflect on their own career motivations, values and strengths, helping them make more informed career decisions. 

6. Creating opportunities for informal networking and mentorship - guest sessions allow students to interact with professionals in a low-pressure environment, ask questions and possibly connect for future advice, internships, or job leads. 

7. Enhances future skills and confidence. Participating in guest sessions, whether through discussion, Q&A or follow-up, helps students practice communication, critical thinking and professional etiquette which are all key future skills. 

What do I need?

Book the space, if the event is in person as it might influence the date of the session. Consider asking timetabling to add sessions which contribute to the curriculum to the teaching schedule ahead of the time so students know when to expect it and plan ahead.  

Confirm any accessibility requirements in advance and ensure appropriate visual and audio equipment is available, including support for hearing assistance, such as microphones or hearing assistance technology. 

If a student has additional needs, consider discreetly informing the speaker that some students may require certain accommodations, such as frequent bathroom breaks, without identifying the individual or disclosing any specific disabilities, in accordance with privacy regulations. This helps the speaker avoid confusion or concern if a student behaves in an unexpected way.

Top tips for a successful guest speaker session

Tip	Description
Choose the right speaker	Clearly state when approaching an organisation, the experience level you are looking for, e.g. senior leader, recent graduate, specialist practitioner as some organisations may send junior staff as a development opportunity for them, which may not match your learning objectives.
Give plenty of notice	Ideally at the start of term to secure availability and for preparation.
Consider inviting alumni	They quickly connect with students by saying, “I was in your seat not long ago.” Their journeys feel relatable and inspiring.
Brief your speaker	Provide a clear session structure to both the speaker and students to share expectations and manage time.
Promote early	Share bios/ LinkedIn profiles. Spark curiosity with questions or discussion prompts.
Structure the session	Create a short 1-page briefing for the speaker that includes: session date/time, audience profile, course themes, goals, format and tech info. This helps reduce back-and-forth and ensures clarity.
Engage from the start	Ask the speaker to pose a question or quick poll at the start to grab attention and invite participation as it sets a tone for engagement.
Moderate the Q&A	You know the students and can help direct or prompt questions to maintain flow and interest.
Time it strategically in the academic year	Integrate guest speakers into the course/ module from the start to ensure their input complements core content and contributes meaningfully to learning outcomes and is not seen as an ‘add-on’ .
Record if possible	With permissions, record the session for revision or for non-attendees.
Follow up and thank you	Send a few anonymised student comments or takeaways to the speaker afterwards. It shows appreciation and gives them a sense of their impact and builds relationships.
Keep the door open	Maintain the connection by inviting them to events, share student activity or involve them in ongoing curriculum activities or even mentorship.

References and further reading

Undergraduate Student Perceptions of Industry Guest Speakers in the College Classroom