best history teacher i ever had.

hard class but he keeps you interested because hes loud, tests are hard but hes a cool guy

Mr. Zahler was a great teacher, he was very interesting, there was no homework, but the tests were very hard and from the book. He was funny and kept your attention and hopefully grades on a curve.

great guy. really loved his class. he's tough but if you really want to learn about history he's the man your looking for. number 1 thing i didn't like was he's a hard core republian. lol. still the best teacher though

great teacher, makes history very interesting and is loud and sometimes obnoxious, but nobody would dare disrespect him in his class. It's easy to get an A, he gives out plenty of extra credit, and makes everyone participate. Has some interesting views on the world, i will never forget him.

I looked forward to going to his class just to hear him talk about his views on all subjects. States in class everything that's on the test and always offers extra credit and help graciously. I loved him and has awesome oppinions, except republican.

i love this teacher, class was always interesting and fun and i looked forward to going to it all the time. gives a few chances for extra credit if you fall behind, because tests can sometimes be hard, all around awesome teacher<3

I took Zahler for Western Civ I & II. He is a great professor. Make sure you study for his test/paper because he only gives one or two and the class is pretty much based on that!

This guy makes you want to better yourself. Hes the greatest teacher in the world as far as being passionate about what he does. His tests are hard as hell but he lets you know what to study. Hes funny as hell and just a freeking trip to watch him go off.

Fantastic class. Take Zahler if you have the chance. He's passionate, funny, sarcastic, intelligent, helpful, friendly, understanding...you name it. He makes all the classes lively and fun and makes sure you understand how the class works (grading, attendence, etc.) and what's expected. Make sure you come to class and take notes and read the book. Tests are all multiple choice that he makes up himself, and they are hard, but the class is worth it. If you do basly on the tests, he lets you retake them, too.

he is a great teacher if you read the book when he tells you too. anyone that doesnt do good has onlythemselves to blaim. He even gives you the exact pages of a chapter to read a week before the test . This is a great class if you want to a actually put the time into learning. Its not just a free-be like somepeople at occ want

Great guy. very intelligent and a fair professor

This is a first class professor. Extremely intelligent, fun fair. A first class mind.

A great class. clear and concise. If you have the chance take Zahler for sociology. Great on current events, very knowledgable, and the class is fun.

You want a good sociology or history prof? Zahler is your man!!! He is the most knowledgable person I have ever met. He has a heart of gold and a great sense of humor. This guy gets you motivated in a heartbeat....TAKE NO ONE ELSE

This teacher knows his stuff. He is a great guy but his class sucks. its hard as hell. many people dropped his class and failed his tests. you cant say i dont know to a question. his idea of talking is yelling for the most part. but he is funny and has got good jokes. BEWARE only take if you want a challenge

This guy is very friendly, helpful, and interesting. If you study, you'll get an A. He lets class go home early, and can care less about attendence. Anyone who failed his class must be stupid or lazy, because he is a fabulous teacher. He makes class very fun.

On the first day of class, I considered dropping, and I was sure that I'd fail. Turns out I'm doing quite well, and I'm going to try to take this professor again. All you have to do is listen and read. Very interesting, very excited about what he's teaching. But any more than 3 absences and you're dropped.

He has very hard classes and expect answers to unanswerable questions.

Keeps you interested and just about knows everything about anything. Great ni West Civ I plan on taking him a few more times.

Great man!!very challenging but he's a great prof

I took Zahler first for Western Civ 2 and when I found out that he was teaching a Sociology class, I dropped the teacher that I had and switched to his class. He is the best teacher ever! He isn't easy, and he's really strict, but you'll love taking him!! I wish I could bring him to a four year with me! TAKE HIM!

He's crazy but great. Very enthusiastic and funny. You have to do your work though. He won't tolerate slackers and especially cheaters. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who wants to make the best out of History Class.

Completely out of his mind. Starts yelling and then goes to a whisper. I was terrified every moment of the class that he would pick me and I wouldn't have the answer. Never start a sentence with "um" around him. Probably one of the best teachers I have ever had and I would love to have him again, now that I'm out of his class.

A very hard class, lots of reading, but if you do the work, he is more than helpful, and on call 24/7 to answer any questions. If you do the reading questions are no problem. Classes are VERY fun and he is very animated. A teacher I will definitely look to take in the future. You're paying for a course, expect to learn!

Funny as hell! Plays favorites. If you don't read and engage yourslf in his class he hates you and will make your life hell. Best history prof I've ever had! He's an x-cop and he screams a lot, but he has a heart of gold. If you want to learn something in a history class and you want to have fun, don't take anyone but Zahler.

if ur in college to learn sthin new and know more abt life from different prospectives, this guy is ur guy. this is my second time takin him...the first class for u will be scry bt hes easy goin and frndly grt teacehr and knows more than anyone ive ever met.......... he makes college fun , do ur work and start speakin up ur opinion ull love it...

Never say "um, yeah, or I don't know," read what he assigns, participate as much as possible, go the extra mile and bring in articles or any interesting facts (he will def take it into account), outline the chapters in extreme detail for tests and they'll be cake, just pay attention and don't bother taking notes in class outline the chapter instead

Prof Z is the man! He is the best teacher I've ever had and taught me more than I ever thought I could learn from a school class- from the subject itself to actually beign motivated to learn. The class is hard and requires lots of studying but it is all worth it. Great sense of humor wit a ponytail to boot.

This man was such an amazing professor and friend. I've opted to take a western civ class with him because my experience was so pleseant... also, don't judge the man on the first day, attend classes atleast for a couple weeks before deciding if you agree with his teaching style.

Zahler is the most amazing professor I have ever had. I have taken him twice and want to transfer to Kean just so I can take his classes again. We disagree about everything and he loves that you have an opinion and express it. His class is hard, but he helps you out. If the class is closed just emial him and he'll usually let you in anyway.

Professor Zahler was the most amazing teacher i have ever had! Dont use the words um, yeah, or i dont know and you will have no problem! Use your text book to study, dont bother bringing it to class. Zahler likes a good debate so defintely participate! Best teacher ever. People should be forced to take his class cause he is just that good!!!

very strong opinions, and passionate about history. nothing wishy washy about this professor. appears to have all the facts, and could motivate a rock. only history class I actually looked forward to attending Each class begins with the news of the day. This guy wants you to disagree with him. Appears to be a great class

greatnhistory professor. excellent grasp of the poitical situation in the country. one of the smartest teachers that I have ever run into. A must take. Highly recommended

This man taught me more than any other professor has in my two years @ OCC. I recommend him even if he is only an elective class. I learned so many things from Mike. He is an extremist, and strongly opinionated, but understanding and a good listener. It was hard, and the guy loved me and I got a B. Try your hardest and do well on those 4 tests

All around great guy, actually passionate about teaching knows so much about history. Very funny, keeps class discussions very entertaining. Tests are hard but not so bad if you really study. Cares a great deal about his students, more professors should take after him!

Old Man Zahler seems tough in the beginning, but he'll later unwind, and show that he is a great teacher. His lectures are very cool, teaching subjects are very clear, and the personal life thta he may lecture about him self is very interesting. Grading sucks, and tests are fill in the blank. But make sure you read. Very open guy.

Ya i rele liked Zahler..at first he seemed rele tough..but told him..nd he helped me study better. nd now im doin great in his class! just try your best nd read ahead for his lectures bc he asks questions and likes ppl to talk and b opinionated. He actually goes into depth about history so you actually understand more of what your reading than ne o

anyone who would not recommend Zahler probably feels that they shouldnt have to work hard in college. This was by far the class i stressed about the most, but it was in a good way. You have to work hard but he's so passionate about history that it made class very enjoyable.

hes hard

To tell you the honest truth, He is a hard teacher, but he is such an awesome guy. He will literally do everything he can to try to pass you. He will give an arm and a leg to teach you western civ the right way. He is a brilliant man with much to share with everyone. He is very understanding and all around an awsome prof. And he has awesome tattoos

class is deff challenging. reading and taking notes is a must!! all tests are fill in the blank. he is funny thou and will go out of his way to help you. if your a bad test taker this class is NOT for you

Believe it or not, I love having him as a teacher. The class is definitely challenging but that's what I like about it. When I get a good grade it makes me feel better that I earned it. He comes off tough and mean but he really is a lot of fun. I would definitely suggest him!

He knows what he is talking about. Must read txt. Doesnt let u open the book while lecturing. Makes u feel stupid if you dont know the answers to questions. U must be capable of mind reading, or remember the lecture to do well on his tests. Has a high tendency to be rude. Class might be the closest thing to boot camp. Does not tolerate bs/lateness

not gonna lie he's a nut. but probably the smartest man ive ever been around. loves talking about current events and as long as u participate he loves u. but he will call u out if u dont get a question right about the text. if u get embarrassed easily, do not take him. in the long run, he is a professor prob wont forget and his class is fun

Tough professor doesn't accept apathy, must be prepared for class and read the text and be involved in class lectures. Other than that he is a funny, interesting guy. Get on his good side and he will help you out.One of the teachers i've everhad. i was heading towards a D but with me being on his good side and participating im getting a C.

Best professor at occ. alwyas has time for his students. Spoke to him for ihr after class. learned a huge amount about not only history, but5 the current position of the USA. He pulls no punches and speaks his mind.

Best history professor i have ever had. He is pretty hard, and expects allot. Yet he is really interesting and teaches you more then any one else could.

Prof. Zahler is a very smart man and I learned alot. The class, however, is VERY hard. Lot's of work and you MUST participate to do well

There are many words that can be used to describe Professor Zahler, and boring isn't one of them. You won't be sleeping in this class! He's mad! And that makes his lectures exciting and loads of fun. He engages the class in active participation. He's passionate about his country and his classmates; a true patriot. Take him!

Hade him for Western Civ 1 and 2, by far the largest wealth of knowlage att OCC, and good overall guy. If you wanna learn take him, if you want an easy class go elsewhere. Funny and engaging

Zahler is easily one of the best history teachers ever. He keeps class interesting, is very animated, and is truly passionate about his students. He may come off as a tough guy at first, but it is a front. He will challange you and you will learn from him. Not an easy A, but the wealth of knowledge you get from him i second to none.

Professor Zahler is a skilled orator, but listen. Note-taking is an exercise in futility, he moves quickly. Just listen and take your notes from the text on your own time. Be ready to discuss them in class. He is passionate about history and will engage you. He weeds out the "non-hackers" and then becomes the friendliest man you could meet.

Professor Zahler iis the finest history instructor that I have ever met. His kowledge is unbelievable, and his grasp of the political situation in the country is second to none. His classes are a must take

If you want to learn history this is the professor to take. Class is difficult, but you will walk away extremely enriched. First class professor, no BS, must read, and participate.

He's an awesome teacher, but I'm not going to lie and say he's easy. He's very hard, but if you do the work and study you shouldn't have much of a problem. He doesn't take crap, he's funny and enjoyable. He will kick you out if your phone goes off or if its obvious you didn't do the homework. So if you're lazy, don't take his class.

He's enjoyable, funny and you get a lot from his class. But I'm not going to say he's easy, he's very hard. But if you do the work and study you should pass with a decent grade. He will kick you out if its obvious you didn't do the homework or if your phone goes off in class. He doesn't take any crap. So if you're lazy, don't take his class.

Awesome the way college should be taught. Do the work or leave. no BS First class instructor

great teacher, fantastic knowledge. Hard, but you will learn a great deal. Be prepared to styudy.

A really great teacher, but dont take his class if you're not going to work. His tests are hard, all fill in questions, but they're exactly to the book. He loved my class because we studied and did what he asked, he helped us out and even gave us some answers during the test. He was fair, you got what you deserved. I know too much about history now

Awesome, best history teacher at OCC. Class hard, but you learn a great deal. Zahler very politically astute. Must take this class

BEST PROFESSOR IN OCEAN COUNTY COLLEGE.Demands are HIGH but if you work, you will get what you deserve. He is a great guy personally.Actually takes his job seriously. VERY in touch with the subject. Will teach you more than any textbook. Tests are ALL Fill-Ins but if you read, they are not hard. You will NOT regret sticking it out in his class

awesome. best at OCC and Kean. knowledge immense. must take

YOU DO LEARN ALOT IN THIS CLASS.. But the tests ARE RIDICULOUS! All of his tests are fill ins, and there is far too much information to remember. I just find it funny how I failed all of his fill in tests, but somehow got a 95 on his one multiple choice test he had?? Honestly.. nice guy.. but I don't suggest him as a professor.

THE BEST TEACHER I HAVE EVER HAD. an extremely hard class, but when you get the A, you know you've earned it. the only class i really learned something in. his class is a MUST TAKE, but be prepared to work hard.

Prof zahler is amazing. He is very clear. you know where you stand at all times. The best historian I have ever met. I learned more in three weeks then months in other classea A1

I absolutely loved Professor Zahler's class. It is definitely the most difficult class I have taken. He expects you to be responsible for all assignments and come prepared or else WILL kick you out. He will work for students that work for him. He was understanding, fun, and incredibly knowledgeable. Don't be intimidated by his demeanor.

Greatest teacher I've had in a long time. He's an incredibly hard teacher and does expect a lot from his students, but if you do what you're supposed to, then you'll be fine. I'm the lowest average of my class right now and Zahler said he's impressed that I stuck it out and kept trying. You're guaranteed to learn something here.

He's awesome if you work. If you don't wanna work you'll get kicked out before you leave. Great teacher

Zahler is the best that there si. politically on the cutting edge. historical knowledge immense. He is downright funny at times, witty,can speak on any period of history, and will put up with no garbage at all. He is the man if you wish to learn history

Great teacher for history, knows his stuff from any point in history, jokes around, has discussions, and overall a great guy. I recommend him only for those willing to work hard

Ok read the reviews most of you are right. He will kick you out of class, he does expect you to read and remember things. But bottom line is the guy know's his stuff. He will make you a better student and a better learner in total. TAKE HIS CLASS

Had Zahler before, will take him again at Kean. puts every other teacher I have yaken to shame

Word to the wise, Zahler will kick your ass in gear. He is very strict on what he expects of everyone. hint: DO THE READINGS, TAKE NOTES ON THEM!! Every class we discussed what we read the night before, you got a question wrong, you got kicked out. Hard teacher, but very informative, entertaining, and intelligent.

You want to learn, this is the only professor to take. No BS, no excuses, only knowledge. You will do the reading, and you will learn. more Zahlers needed.

One of my favorite teachers I have taken. I took his class last spring and still remember the material and use it for other classes! He is extremely knowledgeable and if you take your education seriously it would be wise to take his class. It is not easy, but I did very well on some tests by studying his in class notes and outlining the book.

Zahler is a really hard professor, but you do learn a lot in his class. He makes it clear what he wants out of the class in the beginning. Don't miss a class because you may miss a lot. Don't recommend taking his class with any other classes because it will take up a lot of your time.

Professor Zahler is a great person and cares about people and students. He is the most knowledgable of Irish and American history. He was a NY Police Officer,grade-school History teacher and former military I believe as well. Only take him if you are serious about college learning.

Cares about his students, weeds out those who are there to learn from those who are there for just a grade,so he appears tough at first. He is always willing to help.

His knowledge of history is amazing. you actually learn in Zahler's class. I also liked the currents events that were discussed at the beginning of class. I actually looked forward to this class

Great professor. I was a little concerned before taking his class due to the reviews on this site. I'm so glad I took his class, learned so much.He demands class participation which has made me a better student. If you are serious about learning, then by all means take his class. If not, don't bother, you will not make it.

He's an intelligent man, but he is WAY TOO HARSH. I liked his personality. But he only gave us TWO exams that determined our grade. No extra assignments... Nothing else. Avoid this class for the sake of your GPA. Because I regret it more than anything in the world.

class A+ professor. The only class to take if you really wish to know history.

He actually cares that you learn. Tough class but I learned more in the first three weeks thyan whole term with other profs

I love his class. He is a very harsh teacher and there is a lot of work in his class, but he is such a good teacher it is definitely worth taking. You Will learn in this class. definitely not an easy A but worth taking.

He pushes his students only because he cares. He is one of the few professors at OCC that I actually learned something from. I HIGHLY recommend him, but be prepared to work for your grade.

Michael is a tough professor, but you learn a lot in his class. If you're looking for an easy A don't take him.

Prof Z was by far the hardest but also best professor i have ever had. you must work very hard but if you put in the effort it is the most rewarding class you will ever take he strives to and succeeds at making better students. he is a hard ass at the start to rid the room of those who dont care and for those that dont drop, hes highly entertaining

Top of the line professor. He will make you learn, and you will be better for it. Knows ir all. Very highly recommended

Zahler is a tough professor, but as long as one wants to learn and reads the chapters he assigns its not that hard to pass..Yes his tests are hard they are all fill in answers

He's an excellent professor, but very hard. I took his class over the summer and it was difficult, but very satisfying. He's tough, he doesn't allow the word um, when you speak and he will kick you out at the drop of a hat, but he's one of the best professors I've ever had. He gave me his personal textbook at the end of the semester. awesome.