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

Tiffany, Thank you for these good comments about how the instructor should project a professional attitude along with a sense of humaneness so the students will be at ease as they settle into the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

George, How do you learn what the styles of your students are as you prepare to work with their learning preferences? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasoning as a Resource

Sherry, This is an ongoing challenge for students. They want to google an answer and move on without using any of their thinking skills or pull on their life experiences. The most effective problem solvers are those that can do thinking and then acting effectively as they solve problems. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Jason, Your approach is a well developed one that I know engages students in many different ways. This is how you appeal to the different learning preferences of the students you have. The more you can do this the more excited they will be about being in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Julie, Thank you for these key points about instructor enthusiasm. You are right on with your comments in relation to we the learning leaders needing to display enthusiasm for teaching about our field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Jeremy, Your first sentence is so true. Enthusiasm is catching as well. The more we display it the more our students will catch it. If we don't care about being in the class it is for sure our students won't be either. Your point about online learners is a good one because it is easy for them to sit back and not become a part of the learning process if we don't work hard to get them engaged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Ricky, Great point! Passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching about it are two essential elements needed for teaching/learning success. We need to bring both to class each and every time it meets if we expect our students to be excited about learning. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

James, Like this connection because you are tying your content directly to their personal goals within the field. They need to be able to see this connection clearly if they are going to be able to move into their chosen field and be successful. So many of them do not see real life with a clear perspective as well as the hard work it takes to be successful no matter what the field is. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Julie, I believe we should use technology in all of the different forms when it enhances the learning process. Due to the different types of courses and content being offered technology use is all over the board in terms of application. The use of gaming in education is fine if it in fact contributes to the successful learning of students. The challenge is measuring this effectiveness so you can determine whether or not to continue using a form of technology. As you say everything is moving so fast it is very difficult to stay up with the possibilities. Gary Gary… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Jeremy, This is so important for students to hear and understand. You have selected content, projects and activities that will help them to prepare to enter their chosen career field. Your examples increase their interest in the course and how it will help them to move closer to their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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