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

Making a Positive First Impression

Shannon, This is so important because it is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is going to be built. We need to make it a good one for our students so they will see that we care about them and their success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Shannon, The environment is a critical link in helping students to get settled into the course and be prepared to learn. The more comfortable they are the more they will feel supported by their school and instructor. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Linda, Good way to "read" your students and get a feel for them and what experiences they are bringing to the classes. This way you can build on these experiences as you help them to develop their self confidence and grow in their knowledge. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Frances, Your last sentence contains some very valuable advice. This is how problem solving and reflective thinking can be developed and used as one progresses in his or her career. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Jerrod, Thank you for sharing this example with us of how you use graphic organizers. They are such a valuable resource for both students and teachers. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Beatrice, Good point because feedback is how students learn about their status in the class and how they are progressing. For faculty feedback is valuable because this is how course improvements are made. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Robert, I would if the rubric helps to clarify grading or projects, etc.. Use anything that will reduce confusion and increase understanding so the students can see exactly what they need to do to be successful in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Tammy, You do have a challenge since it is the same group of students over and over. I know you have to be creative in your planning and approach as a result since it is easy for them to slip away in terms of attention since they know how you operate. Change things up and have fun with new activities and it will be like a new class for these students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Shannon, A lot of teaching is "selling" as you know. By bringing a good attitude, excitement and enthusiasm you are getting your students engaged. For some it may never work but for those that do "get it" and become involved in the learning process then it is worth the effort because you have helped them move closer to their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Nicole, Your last sentence says it all. This is the pay off in teaching. Having earned the respect of your students and then developed that respect into rapport brings the reward of students that are wanting to learn and are growing in their career development. This is why we teach! We are impacting lives. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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