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

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Nicole, I think introductions and ice breakers are great ways to get students settled into a new course and feeling comfortable with their class mates. Once you have worked them through these activities you can then introduce the syllabus and get them to thinking about the upcoming course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Implementing Relevant Course Content

Steven, Good list of ways to get students engaged and focused on the value of the content being shared. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Rosalie, I use guest speakers frequently in my courses for the reason you list. They help to make real what is being taught and why it is valuable for the students to learn such content and skills. After a quest speaker my students are really ramped up for a few sessions which is about the time I bring another person in to share with them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Shawn, Well said and this reflects the true value of a well prepared syllabus. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

John, This is why it is critical that the colleges keep everything up to date. They are educating individuals to enter into and be successful in their career areas so they need to have the latest content and equipment to do so. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Thomas, I support your position on this. We are their learning leaders so we need to model the behaviors, conduct, dress and language that we expect from our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Tracy, Are there other ways that instructors can demonstrate their professionalism. If so can you share some of them with us. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Patricia, This is especially true for adult learners. Many of them are uncertain about coming back to school so if they can have early success in the course that really helps with their motivation and retention. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Patricia, This says a lot about your teaching. Keep up the good work. You are right about the breaks though. Students no matter how engrossed they are in the topic need to step away, move about and reset their brains. This way they will be fresh to tackle the next segment. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Callie, Asking questions of students is a way of showing respect because you are showing that you are interested in them and are willing to listen to what they say. This is the way rapport is developed and student growth encouraged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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