Jay Hollowell

About me

Please allow me this opportunity to welcome everyone to The Lounge! As someone who has had the honor of being in career education and corporate training for thirty years (gee, it makes me feel much older!), I can honestly say that I am the happiest professionally when having the opportunity to interact with fellow career educators - whether it be a training event, webinar, or medium such as this where we can collaboratively share our thoughts.

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Jay Hollowell

Discussion Comment

The Challenge of Learning Disabilities

Thanks, Cheryl! This is very true, if we are going to replicate the workplace as much as possible for all students, then though we must respect and work with learning disabilities, we cannot just accomodate them; the workplace is far more unforgiving than the classroom! Jay ED106

Jay Hollowell

Discussion Comment

Developing Your Communication Skills

Hi Cheryl! This is an interesting suggestion that has not been brought up previously in the course. We often say that presenting, as a teacher, is like being on stage, so why not engage in vocal and articulation exercises to improve delivery. Effective vocal delivery without a doubt is the best way to capture and hold student's attention. I'm interested in your response to something, particularly since you teach acting. How effective do you beleive storytelling, as a presentation method or aid, is to student retention of your subject matter? Just curious. Thanks for your suggestion. Jay ED106

Jay Hollowell

Discussion Comment

Organizing Student Learning Groups

Hi Cheryl! Without question, peer interaction and assistance is an example of true interactive learning; I always remind myself of the developed skills and life experiences that adult learners bring to the table and can share with others. Jay ED106

Jay Hollowell

Discussion Comment

Using Student Learning Groups

Thanks, Cheryl! This is without question an OUTSTANDING outline of steps to ensure that expectations of desired outcomes are made clear and maximum learning value is achieved when utilizing student groups in the classroom. Bravo! Perhaps of particular importance as you have stressed, is that using a learning group, as an instructional tool, is very much a planned activity rather than simply a way to spend class time. It takes thought and guidance in order for learning groups to achieve results, and can even be a way to authentically assess student performance. Jay ED106

Jay Hollowell

Discussion Comment

Refining Your Communication Skills

Hi Cheryl! You sound as if you are passionate about teaching! You're on target about making clear and concise points when communicating; it sets the foundation for critical thought once the basic communication parameters are to the point and in place. Thanks for your input, Jay ED106

Jay Hollowell

Discussion Comment

Using Student Learning Groups

Thanks Cheryl for your comments and examples. I have found as well that students can get off track easily despite the real value of learning groups. As you referenced, participating in learning groups helps students see concepts and applications from different perspectives. Sometimes, in addition to moving around the classroomn I have the group select a "summarizer" whose responsibility is to capture and record group discussions and outcomes, and an "evaluator" whose role is to keep the team on track. The students usually know the right team members to select and the "appointees" tend to take their roles seriously. Jay… >>>

Jay Hollowell

Discussion Comment

Instructing Diverse Learners

Hi Les! Yes, excellent point! I have found that cultural differences run much deeper than language barriers and we must be sensitive to these. Infact, respecting cultural nuances I think actually helps with the language barrier. Thanks for your comments, Les! Jay

Jay Hollowell

Discussion Comment

Developing Your Communication Skills

Thanks for your comments, Cynthia! Consultation with peers is certainly effective in enhancing our own teaching performance. Has your team considered putting together a "binder" or portfolio (hard copy and/or online) of best practices for your instructors as a reference guide or resource? I've known some schools to do this and it was very effective in reaching most faculty members. Topics included such areas as instructional delivery, classroom management, teaching methodologies, etc. Jay Hollowell ED106

Jay Hollowell

Discussion Comment

The Challenge of Learning Disabilities

Hi Anne! The approach of the village observing your assistance with individual questions and challenges at the back table is a powerful learning tool as students so often learn from each others' perspectives. I know that, based on your comments and examples, you are very positive with your students across the board, hence, having five learners around you as you assist individual situations is uplifting to everyone and doesn't breach any confidences. I want to thank you for your outstanding forum participation and valuable examples; I believe they will help other participants; please feel free to reach me at any… >>>

Jay Hollowell

Discussion Comment

Instructing Diverse Learners

Thanks, Anne! You're right, learning diversity really shines when a student is tasked with a claritive assignment, written or verbal. I really like your approach of the essay including industry relevant vocabulary and that you give students ample opportunity to refine their writing and thinking skills during the essay assignment. Critical thinking and articulation is so crucial to hands-on workplace environments. Jay ED106

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