Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Diab, Well done list. You have captured the essence of what it takes to manage and direct a classroom learning environment. I am curious about how you assess each of the steps you list as completing. Example, how do you determine the learning styles of your students? (Assessment, experience, etc.) Also, since the students work in the four primary areas of auditory, visual, written and kinesthetic learning styles do you offer all content within each of the four or do you rotate the content among the four giving each student an opportunity to work within his/her style of preference?… >>>

Hi Pam, Great response to the forum. You are correct about each class having its' own personality. It is amazing that no matter how much the students seem to be alike they mold, form, or mash together to form their own unique learning community. That forces us as learning leaders to make sure we know what the personality of the group is and how we can best meet their needs. Your point about keeping your core instructional standards is a good one. You didn't get to be the instructor of experience that you are without developing and maintaining those core… >>>

Hi Therese, You are correct about instructors needing to stay in tune with themselves and their students. If there is a disconnect of any kind it reflects very quickly in the classroom. It is like the old saying “the water carried is only as good as the bucket it is carried in”. If instructors are dragging down and have lost their edge then the students will follow suit. Instructors need to stop take stock and then direct their energy back into their students and their classes. For states that have long winters, this is akin to “cabin fever”. Instructors have… >>>

Hi Kelli, You are right about adults learners. They are enrolled in career colleges to get specific training that will help them to improve or expand their life options. They want and expect to receive quality instruction in a quality setting. The key is making sure the environment is supportive to and for learning. I to have taught in a wide variety of settings and have found that if I can create an environment of trust and support, the physical setting though not the greatest becomes less important. The students need to feel secure and supported. If we as teachers… >>>

Hi Kelli, What a great attitude about professional improvement. We all can learn from others can't we? For new instructors with minimum experience in teaching and few if any role models from whom they can draw examples the process is very rocky. They have to work hard to identify quality instructors from whom they can learn and grow. This is where a well-planned professional development program needs to be implemented by the career college. Your point about student feedback is a good one as well. We have to listen to our students. One of the most effective ways of doing… >>>

HI Michelle, Thank you for the list of ways to set up motivation for students. These are very good. The problem that comes up with many instructors is that they don't know how to do some of the things on the list. For example they really don't know what it means to “be funny”. They make think it is to tell a joke, wear wild clothes, etc. When in fact with some in-service they can learn to use humor in the classroom effectively. This same example can be applied to any on the list. Coming from business and industry many… >>>

Hi Michelle, By your response to the forum I am not sure if you mean changing classes or changing the format of the class being taught, but either way instructors need variety. Many instructors have taught the same course 3-4 times a year for many years and haven't gotten bored with the course nor the contents due to the changes they make in the delivery. I teach one course 4 times each year, and each phase I try something new in terms of technology, activities, or assignments. This way I am constantly exploring how effective the class is with my… >>>