Hi Eileen: A good guest speaker serves many beneficial purposes, and is one of the better activities we can plan. Answering questions, giving a different perspective, just hearing another "voice" with a differnt spin is usually interesting and enjoyable. Also, sometimes a guest speaker will validate information the teacher has emphasized, which helps build trust and respect for the class teacher. Even contrary opinions can be useful for discussion, as that promotes critical thinking, and an opportunity to reinforce the prefered responses and material. In any event, guest speakers usually evoke inspiration and inhanced motivation for the students, and that's always a good thing. Regards, Barry