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

Student Feedback

Nieva, Student feedback is a great instructional improvement tool just as you mention. This is how we keep our course current and our instructional delivery on target. We need frequent feedback from our students so we can make adjustments as needed and keep student enthusiasm high. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Nieva, This is what instructional planning is all about. This way everyone is on the same page in terms of expectations and understanding. This enables the learning process to go forward to the benefit of each and every student. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Nieva, Instructors need to have passion for their field and enthusiasm for teaching about it. Your comments are right on target in terms of how the learning leader (instructor) needs to set the tone for the class and then lead the learning, thus the name learning leader. When students know their instructor is excited about teaching each and every time he or she enters the classroom they become part of the excitement as well. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Thomas, This is a good way to connect the dots for your students. By having them list their goals at the beginning and then reviewing them at the end you complete the learning circle for them. This way they can see their growth and development as it has occurred during the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Nieva, This is a good way to bring new members into the learning group. You are helping them to feel a part of the class while giving them connections to other class members. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Scott, Like all of the advantages of this instructional strategy that you list. All of them make for more engaged students. By bringing in your examples of what you do in the field you are showing both the relevance of the content as well as the application of the skills that are needed in your field. This is where your street cred and respect is created. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Leslie, Value is an essential part of the retention process. We need to bring the human factor into our classes and labs so our students know that they have a learning leader that cares. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Leslie, Good ways to encourage and support students. Let them know you care about them as individuals and are there to support them if they are willing to put forth the needed effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Leslie, It is for the reasons that you list that I use pretests. They give me a baseline on my students so I know how to customize my instructional delivery and shape the degrees of my content depth. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Leslie, Like both lists because they form the foundation for the development of trust and respect for you and your students. It is upon this foundation you can build the development of rapport. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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