Gary Meers, Ed.D.

About me

I am an Education Advisor/Consultant for MaxKnowledge. I write courses that assist in the professional development of career college instructors. These courses range in content from the introductory level to advanced instructional development. I started my teaching career as an instructional technology teacher on the high school level, completed graduate school and then moved into higher education. I spent many years in the area of teacher training at the University of Nebraska. While at the University of Nebraska I stared working with career college instructors to improve their instructional delivery skills. As a result of these experiences I have been a consultant to career colleges throughout the United States and a number of foreign countries.

Activity

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Laneita, The more variety the better so you will be able to appeal to the different learning preferences of students. As a result you will have more engaged students and increased retention of the course content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

GERALD, Good way to get the new students on the same page as the veteran students. By having them sign the document you are helping to hold the accountable for their own learning and understanding. This sends a very important message their their success is going to depend on their effort and self discipline. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Philip, Students need ongoing reinforcement as they get settled into a new course. This is how they will build their self confidence and realize that through hard work and self discipline they can be successful. Thanks for making this point we need to remember it as we interact with our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Kimberly, Very well said. The human factor is present in all that we do both within our families as well as our careers. Our students need to see examples of how the human factor can influence their career success by knowing how to get along with others and let people know they are valued. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Sherri, Students like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery so the more we can offer both the more they will be engaged in the learning process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Sherri, These casual exchanges are a great way to help students to see they are valued both as students as well as individuals. I always enjoy these sessions because I learn so much about my students and the vast experiences they bring into my classes. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Cristina, This is such a valuable time for students to get to know the instructor and the instructor the students. Introductions are the foundation upon which the course is built. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Sherri, It is the focal point for communication and understanding for how the course will operate and what the expectations are. A well prepared syllabus sets the tone and answers the majority of questions that students have about the course. By doing so it gets everyone off to a good start. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Sherri, Sharing stories and examples from the field help to reinforce the content being offered as well as increasing the value of the course to the students as they prepare to enter their chosen field. So keep sharing and your students will continue to see the application and value of what is being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Lawrence, I am sure you have noticed how students perk up when you share a story from the field with them. These stories illustrate the way application can be made of the content while increasing the value of the course to them in relation to their career goals. This forms the basis of a win win situation for the students. So, keep up the sharing. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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