The use of guest speakers in higher education and implications for pharmaceutical teaching: a systematic review of literature

Introduction

Guest speakers have become a common feature in college and university teaching as they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. This experience has been useful in enhancing the process of learning for students (Zheng et al., 2018). Guest speakers can be individuals who have expertise in their fieldas well as who have relevant industry experience (Zorek et al., 2011). The expertise knowledge and industry experience are both instrumental assets for individuals serving as guest speakers in that they understand aspects that might be beneficial to learners in the long run, especially once they join the job market. The experience of these individuals has provided valuable insights into real-world scenarios and current trends and practices as well as case studies for improved learning in the higher education sector (Sortedahl & Imhoff, 2016). Guest speakers come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and, for this reason, can offer a unique perspective on various topics and bring diversity into the classroom (Merle & Craig, 2016). Incorporating guest speakers into college and university teaching serves as a means of networking for students, allowing them the opportunity to interact with professionals in their field of study and potentially form connections that can help them in their future careers (Jablon-Roberts & McCracken, 2023; Sage, 2013; Zheng et al., 2018). Noting the inclusive and participatory environment for learning that is necessary for learners in higher education, Sage (2013) explained that guest speakers provide an opportunity for students to engage in active learning as they able to ask questions, participate in discussions within the classroom with their peers and instructors, and apply the concepts learned in class to real-world situations.

Current research shows that the concept of guest speakers and its application in enhancing the process learning in higher education has been increasingly adopted and utilized across different academic fields from nursing, tourism, natural sciences, and even in the textile classroom (Riebe et al., 2013; Rockich-Winston et al., 2018). In all ofthese environments, guest speakers have enriched the process of learning for students in significant ways. For example, McCleary and Weaver (2008) explained that in the hospitality and tourism industry, guest speakers who are experts in their respective fields provide a deeper understanding of various destinations and cultures, helping to broaden the perspective of tourism students (Metrejean et al., 2002). In the nursing field, guest speakers who are practicing nurses or healthcare professionals have been utilized by nursing course instructors to share their experiences and knowledge, providing valuable insights and guidance to their students (Zou et al., 2019). This exposure to the knowledge of these industry professionals not only helps students to understand the practical aspects of the profession but also gives them an opportunity to network with professionals in the field (Dalakas, 2016).

In natural sciences classroom environments, guest lectures by scientists or researchers have proven vital in providing students in these classes with a more comprehensive understanding of complex scientific concepts taught at the higher education level (Tenenberg, 2009). With the high need for continuous research in the natural sciences field, equipping students with this knowledge and experience from guest speakers has been a beneficial tool which allows them to gain a better appreciation of the subject matter and inspires them to pursue further research (Hemphill and Hemphill, 2007; Jablon-Roberts & McCracken, 2022). Even in the textile classroom, the use of guest speakers such as fashion designers or textile industry experts has empowered students with valuable insights into the industry and its trends, as well as practical knowledge on design and production techniques which are essential for success in their future careers (Jablon-Roberts & McCracken, 2023).

Noting the vital importance of the role of guest speakers in diverse classrooms and courses at the higher education level, attention is needed to guide the understanding of how the use of these industry and field experts can impact the process of learning and student perceptions regarding the use of guest speakers on their future careers. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of current literature on the use of guest speakers within the classroom environment at the higher education level and evaluate the implications that this may have for the process of learning and teaching in the pharmaceutical industry.

Methods

Screening for inclusion/exclusion

The number of records of studies obtained from each of the databases is shown in a flow diagram in Figure 1. The screening was a two-step process in which first, the abstracts and titles of the studies were screened for suitability of inclusion in the study. In the second stage of the screening, entire documents were assessed and those which were suitable were included. In the exclusion criteria, all initially selected studies that were found to be non-peer reviewed or not directly related to the use of guest speakers in higher education were excluded. During the final screening, the author evaluated the remaining studies for content similarity as well as content that was not directly conclusive on the impact of the use of guest speakers in higher education (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Flow of the studies selection and inclusion process.

Results

Discussion

The use of guest speakers has been widely accepted across different content areas and fields in higher education, and the literature shows that there are substantial benefits that arise—particularly to students—following the use of guest speakers. According to Jablon-Roberts and McCracken (2023), online guest speakers have been found to be beneficial inenhancing learning for students, especially in difficult situations like lengthy lockdowns such as those during the COVID-19 pandemic. For heightened results and benefits for students in the use of guest speakers, it is important to recruit experts in the specific area of the students’ future careers (Badia, 2015; Merle & Craig, 2016). Several tools have been developed to foster the effective use of guest speakers in higher education, including methods for contacting appropriate guest speakers (Wetzel, 2012) as well as regulations to govern the use of these speakers, especially in an online environment where instructors using virtual guest speakers must be aware of the provisions of Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Across wide areas in higher education, the use of guest speakers has proven useful and it is important that instructors in the pharmacy field understand this need and focus on integrating this approach in teaching pharmacy students.

Within the pharmaceutical sector, effective teaching is mandatory as this is a field where graduates transition to serve society in the sensitive area of offering pharmaceutical services. Guest speakers can play a significant role in pharmaceutical teaching by providing students with valuable insights into the industry, current practices, and real-world scenarios. These speakers can be experts in their field or have relevant industry experience, and can offer students a unique perspective on the pharmaceutical industry. Guest speakers can share their experiences, discuss emerging trends, and provide insights into the latest research and developments in the pharmaceutical industry. They can also discuss regulatory frameworks, ethical considerations, and challenges that the industry faces, giving students a comprehensive understanding of the pharmaceutical industry beyond what is taught in the classroom. Incorporating guest speakers into pharmaceutical teaching can also provide students with networking opportunities, allowing them to make connections and potentially find internships or job opportunities in the industry. Furthermore, students can engage in active learning through discussions and Q&A sessions with guest speakers, gaining a deeper understanding of the industry and its challenges.

There is credible evidence in current literature that the use of guest speakers can have major positive outcomes in promoting effectiveness in learning among pharmacy students and making them well prepared to facediverse,real-world situations during practice. Professors teaching pharmacy courses have the opportunity of benefiting from various tools and resources that academic researchers have developed for guiding the process of using guest speakers in pharmacy teaching.