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

Donna, You raise a good point because we instructors start developing our impressions of our students at the first meeting as well. We need to be open to their personalities as they get settled into the course and we start seeing their work ethic and devotion to being successful in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Sandra, Well described in terms of the two essential components of the learning environment. They both need to be reviewed and adapted as necessary to make sure they are supportive to the learning process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Raymond, This is very important because if you do not have the full attention of your students it is difficult for them to stay engaged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Michael, Right you are about the value of clear and concise goals and objectives. They are the road map that will be followed to arrive at the successful conclusion of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Michael, You make a good point about change. It is the only constant in teaching. No matter how much you prepare you are never sure that the lesson will go the way you have planned it. So by staying current and having multiple approaches ready you will be able to keep the course on target and moving forward. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Bernard, Well said a a set of things an instructor needs to do in order to be the learning leader of the class. Each of these items helps students to see the value of self discipline and personal effort as it relates to the workplace. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Jon, Yes it will plus it will keep their attention for the duration of content sharing. Lecture and application is a good way to enhance learning and increase the value students see in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Chukwuka, You received very good advice at that seminar. This is how we should approach the starting of a new course. Letting the share their life experiences and then show them how those life experiences can be used in the course enhances their engagement and reduces their anxiety. They start to realize that they have more to contribute to the course than they thought and this is a great help in building their self confidence. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Austin, Thank you for sharing your perspective on the importance of a positive first impression when starting off a new course. You are right on with your comments in relation to impact the first impression will have on the rest of the class and how the students see themselves fitting into the course. This first meeting is something that we need to work hard on to be ready and make the maximum impact that we can on how students can approach the course for success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Dona, Like the way you start your courses off with your students. This approach is a fun and comfortable way to get them settled into the course and ready to move forward in their career development. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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