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

The Learning Environment Effect

Lauren, Like your style because students do need a change of environment and subject matter flow. By taking them to a new environment you are helping them to reset their brains and thought process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Peyman, My opinion on the use of technology is use it where it fits into your instructional style and delivery. To use technology for the sake of technology is not an effective learning strategy. Technology should be used where it can reinforce the delivery of content. This may mean very little technology or a lot depending on the content being taught. In my courses I use a small amount of technology due to the content I offer. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Doug, I would suggest that you do a introduction and ice breaker type activity at the beginning of the course. I have found that I learn so much about the students during this session and then I can customize my instructional delivery based upon this knowledge. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Michael, This is a professional and encouraging way to have discussions and get every student involved. This is how everyone will contribute to the value of the content through meaningful discussions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Beryl, Yes, it is. The more connection you can make between the content and the individual lives of students the greater the engagement will be for the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Tammy, I use them for review as well. I think that they are a very effective way to get students to review the content and get ready for a quiz. My students get really involved as they are competing to earn prizes such as a piece of candy or slice of pizza. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Donna, The first impression is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built so it is important that it be a positive and supportive one. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

MaryAnn, Feedback from students is the foundation upon which course improvements are made. The more input we have them more accurately we can deliver our content in a meaningful way to our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

MaryAnn, You make two very important points and I think they need to be remembered by all instructors as they approach their classes. As you say each class is different. I just completed teaching five sections of the same course and each class was different in personality and interaction. The good part about this is that each section of the class was different enough that I did not have to worry about running the classes together and forgetting what I told what section. These differences helped me to stay fresh and enjoy each unique section of the course. Gary Gary… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

MaryAnn, Well said and important in the life and professional growth of an instructor. We need to bring our A game to class each time it meets. To do less is to cheat our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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