Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi J Kanso, As dedicated educational professionals we have to do what ever we can to keep the students engaged in the learning process. As you indicated in your remarks about the diversity of your students this presents a challenge. As educators we have to constantly be looking for novel and creative ways of presenting content to our students. This is both a lot of fun as well as very challenging. The key is to have a sense as to when we need to change tempo, introduce new content, and reconnect with our students. This requires skill in the area… >>>

Hi, Good job with making the expectations clear. It is amazing to me how as the course progresses and the projects/assignments become due how the level of “misunderstanding” increases. When the students hear and become aware of the assignments at the beginning they really don't in many cases digest what is really being required, but later on they start seeing the big picture in terms of needed completions. Anything you can do to reinforce the course requirements needs to be done. I use constant reminders of what deadlines are coming up and how the assignments fit into their learning paths.… >>>

Hi, By the learning environment I mean all aspects of the educational setting. You are correct about making sure that the students feel comfortable. They have to know you care and that you are there to encourage and support them. In return they have to apply themselves in order to succeed. Yes, for many of them this may be the last stop on the career selection/preparation pathway. I have taught in some pretty poor physical settings, but the students knew I and other staff members cared about them and that we were there for them. This caring aspect overcame any… >>>

Hi Diab, Great job of including your students in the “real world” of career preparation. I hope all of the experiences that you lay out for them give them an understanding of how they soon will be a part of their selected career field. I have found that when they have that understanding they are much more willing to complete assignments and projects. They start to see the application of what they are learning. By being able to study with someone that has done it (you), they are getting field information that is accurate and relevant. Your sharing of your… >>>

Hi Diab, You made several very important points about being clear on your expectations for students in your classes. You have to make sure there are no misunderstandings in terms of outcomes. One suggestion I would make is that you can solicit input from your students concerning expectations, assignments, projects, etc. through the use of anonymous student feedback. I hand out 3x5 cards and have the students respond to specific questions I ask them about expectations, etc. I have found that this is an excellent way for me to know exactly where my students are in terms of understanding what… >>>

Hi Pam, You are doing a great job with getting your classes started. By taking the time to solicit the background information from your students you can develop a realistic profile of the students you have. As you mentioned each class is different. It always surprises me how a class comes together and takes on a personality of its' own. As instructors we have to be ready to recognize the class personality and then develop strategies that will meet the individual and group needs of the class. I hope you find this exciting and challenging. The also helps keep you… >>>

Hi Pam, You have captured the total picture when it comes to a learning environment. It is not only the physical component but the supportive components as well. I have taught in some very difficult sites physically (alternative-high risk students) one of which was an abandoned petting zoo still inhabited by neglected animals. The school district didn't want the kids on the regular school campus, so we had to find some other place and the zoo was available. Needless to say the site verily met code, but the kids knew we cared about them, besides the abandoned animals needed their… >>>