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

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Kathleen, Right you are because a well prepared syllabus not only informs it also answers questions and reduces anxiety for students. By having the goals, objectives, requirements, and policies spelled out in the syllabus students know from the first class meeting what the expectations are for the upcoming course so they can concentrate on being successful rather than trying to figure out what the instructor wants. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Kathleen, This is a good sequential format that enables you to check for understanding while showing your students how each class session builds on the next one. I know this results in a greater understanding of the core content while enhancing the learning experiences of your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

George, Good plan and the results will be that your students will have a deeper understanding along with expanded skills that will enable them to use technology to promote their career development and success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Judith, Good way to transfer their success to themselves. They have enrolled in school to learn the essentials of a career area. They need to understand their future is dependent on their self discipline, effort and internal motivation. They will not be able to blame others if they are not successful. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Michael, These are key motivators because that is why the students are in school. They are preparing to enter or grow in their careers. They need to understand this so they will take their classes and learning seriously. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

Kenneth, Good training for the real world as this is what they are going to face once they are out in the workplace. The more of these learning experiences you can offer them the better. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Judith, This is so important. The soft skills need to be developed along with the specific skills. If they cannot learn to get along with each other they are not going to be successful in the workplace. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Michael, Good for you. This is what connecting the dots is all about and the results will be the students see the course as having increased value as application and relevancy to the real world. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Judith, I love this approach and use it frequently in my courses. I use the GEICO insurance approach in that I say "Did you know that _______?". The students enjoy this activity and often they will propose a question like this as the cliff hanger or next class session challenge. They get a kick out of coming up with the questions and often ask them in a fun way. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Michael, Your method is a good one to follow. I know that you will have results by providing support to your students this way. Keep up the good work and impact you are having on their lives. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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