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

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Debbie, It is a challenge for sure. Many students as you know don't see the value of composition (effective communication). Yet clear communication both written and oral is what promotes career development. You are on the right track with your approach. I teach a required gen ed course as well so I can appreciate your situation. My students do not want to be in the course and it is my job to convince them that what I am teaching has value to them. Tough sell for sure. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

James, Good point. This is how you engage students. By personalizing the content students start to see the value of the course in relation to their career goals. When this happens you have the "ah-ha" moment and they get it. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Eric, Good way to appeal to the different learning preferences your students have. The variety of delivery methods will help to keep them engaged and focused for the duration of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Eric, It is the foundation upon which the rest of the course builds so it needs to be a good one. To be a good one requires planning and organization which will yield great results. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Eric, What are some of the ways you do this with your courses? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

James, This mix is what makes the course come alive for the students. They get to see both application and relevancy to what they are learning and this is what helps them to get ready for career success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

James, This is so important if you are to earn the respect of your students. When respect is earned the foundation is laid for the development of rapport with students and this is when learning really becomes a part of why they are in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

James, Right you are. This is where the human factor comes into play since you know their characteristics you can customize your instruction to connect with their life experiences and career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Michael, It does work, doesn't it. These markers let you go back and pull up information as needed. Without these memory markers it would be tough to recall the information and use it as needed. The more you can recall this information the more it becomes a part of your professional expertise. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Michael, I like to find this information out as well for the reasons you state. The result is that I can more accurately customize my instructional delivery to the current class and thus increase their engagement. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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