Jay Hollowell

Hi Alan! We have had many participants post comments on the value of using life experiences in the classroom or lab. I think your observations capture several points as to this value for both the student and the instructor. Real life examples from students certainly build self-confidence and just make the topic-at-hand more interesting. Examples and experiences from the instructor create relevance as students see the instructor as an expert and picture the workplace accordingly. Thanks for your observations! Jay Hollowell ED106 Facilitator

Hi Lisa! Sometimes, as a short activity, I have had students in a learning group take a topic or portion of the lecture or presentation and then re-present it, as a team, in their own way - it's amazing what students will come up with - a paraphrase, examples of their own, an activity for the whole class, a role play, skit, demonstration or application. Yes, it takes more time, but it can be an effective way to help ensure that more students comprehend and can apply the subject-at-hand. Thanks for your comments, Jay Hollowell ED106 Facilitator

Hi Dr. Jeffries, thanks for your comments! I have found too that when students relate their own experiences and backgrounds, it not only boosts their own self confidences, but it engages other students as well. Sometimes instructors overlook what adult learners bring to the table in life experience, work background and transferable skills - maximizing these experiences and skills in the classroom or lab, as opposed to taking the approach, "let me tell you what you need to know," makes all the difference in the world in engaging students in an active learning process. Thanks again, Jay Hollowell ED106 Facilitator

Hi Jamie, thanks, good eye contact certainly creates a connection with each student without being intimidating; it helps "personalize" the learning environment and also demonstrates that the instructor is confident. Jay Hollowell ED106 Facilitator

Hi Rachel! You're right, it reaffirms that the instructor is, indeed, the subject-matter expert, and it places the responsibility on us, as instructors, to be sharp and current in the disciplines we represent. Thanks for your comments, Jay Hollowell ED106 Facilitator

Hi Myra!Thanks for your observation. Using real world experiences and examples certainly does help students connect with the topic - they are able to see the relevance of the concept or application to their skill-base and/or career goals. Jay Hollowell ED106 Facilitator

Hi Edna! Thanks for your excellent suggestions. I particularly like the idea of the "agreement" between the instructor and student; it not only empowers, but provides an element of accountability on both parts. Jay Hollowell ED106 Facilitator

Hi Bonnielee! Thanks for referencing some of the instructional delivery methods we can use to reach students, particularly those with learning challenges. There are so many different ways to teach than just the traditional lecture - though they may take more preparation time, they are crucial to the learning process. Jay Hollowell ED106 Facilitator

Hi Mary! Thanks for your examples and suggestions; excellent ideas for all of our course participants to hopefully read. I found some time ago that enabling students to know the basics really well beats trying to cover everything about a topic with them - resulting in poor comprehension and application. Jay Hollowell ED106 Facilitator

Hi Jennifer! Thanks for your comments! As you note, teamwork not only focuses students on a common goal and expected outcome, but gives them a chance to experience diversity first-hand. Jay Hollowell ED106 Facilitator