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

Instructor Enthusiasm

Harry, Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it goes a long way in keeping students engaged. Your comments are right on in terms of how we need to remember to bring a positive mood to class each and every time it meets. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Krista, This is a great way to keep students engaged for the duration of the class. They never know when their name will be drawn. Since it is random they know it is the luck of the draw that requires them to answer the question posed. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

John, Do some searching around on the internet. Places I go for new ideas and strategies are elementary school websites, of which there are many many. Take the ideas you get from these sites and translate them into age appropriate levels of instruction and you will have expanded your delivery options. One thing to keep in mind is that adults are just taller children. My students like to play games like Jeopardy for review prior to tests, do group competitions, etc. so this is why elementary websites are so good. Elementary teachers are so creative at coming up with ways… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Habibah, Glad that this information was of value to you. I wish you continued success in your instructional efforts. I know you will continue to help your students to develop professionally and grow as dedicated health care professionals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

John, One is to be early to class and sharing a supportive word with students as they come into class. You can compliment students individually for their work, questions, contributions, etc.. This is a powerful way to motivate them. Another is to recognize their effort via a personal message on their projects or evaluations. Receiving these comments helps them to see that they are progressing in the course and are being successful. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

John, Thank you for these comments about making a positive first impression. Your description of the value of a good first impression is right on target in that it will yield benefits for the duration of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Krista, This is so true. The syllabus is much like a contract between the students and yourself so it needs to be complete and accurate. A well prepared syllabus reduces student frustrations in terms of course requirements and helps answer many of their questions about course expectations. This lets you focus on moving the course forward and expanding the learning opportunities for your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

John, Having all of the needed resources, handouts and equipment laid out and ready to be handed out or shared is critical. Also, an outline of how you want the class to go is extremely helpful in keeping you on target. Posting the day's goals on the board is a great reminder for both you and the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Kurt, Looking at one's lecture can be tough but extremely valuable. I think we all need to record and view ourselves at times no matter how long we have taught. It is easy to fall into habits that annoy or distract students. Watching a recording can help us to be reminded not to repeat such behaviors and work on how we can effectively deliver our content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Krista, Well said and I support your efforts to be the role model you want to be for your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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