Hearing from the Field: Perceived Impact of Guest Speakers on Student Learning in a Criminal Justice Women and Crime Course

This mixed-methods study examines student perceptions of guest speaker impact in an undergraduate Women and Crime course, drawing on survey data from 42 respondents across four sections spanning Fall 2024 through Fall 2025. Participants completed a seven-item Likert-scale survey alongside six open-ended qualitative items. Descriptive analyses revealed consistently positive perceptions, with a mean composite score of 4.26 (SD = 0.89); six of seven items achieved positive response rates of 80% or higher. Alumni connection was the sole exception (M = 3.67; 59.5%), suggesting personal identification may require more intentional scaffolding. In-person and Zoom attendees rated speakers nearly identically (M = 4.50 vs. M = 4.48), indicating modality does not substantially diminish perceived impact. Qualitative responses highlighted practitioner narratives, professional candor, and career guidance unavailable through readings. Findings are discussed in relation to experiential learning and self-determination theories, with implications for criminal justice courses centered on gender, identity, and systemic practice.