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

Making Instruction Relevant

Jimmy, This is a very good point. An instructor needs to analyze how theory can be taught in relation to practical applications. When this is understood and a blend of methods developed then the students will be able to make the connection and not only learn the content but also make the applications needed for skill development. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Paul, This is a good way to bring value to the course. By connecting the content to their future and their opportunities for employment you are helping them to see why they are in the course. They need to be able to connect the course content to their own career goals. This is when they see ROI in relation to their efforts. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Jimmy, This is a great goal to have. Case studies are great ways to get students involved in the application of what is being taught. The more examples you can share from the field the better. Each of these elements will enable the students to store more information in their working memory and this increases their retention of the course content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

LaShonda, Like the different strategies you are using with your students. Each of these elements will help the students to see the value of the content being shared and how it can be applied to their career preparation. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Thomas, Students love stories from the field as you have experienced. These stories help to make the content come alive and shows them the value of what they are being taught. This is what makes the course have relevance and application. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Thomas, It is critical that students feel accepted in the learning environment. The more they do the more engaged they will be. As their learning leader the connection you make with them will enhance their engagement in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Deborah, Movement and change of pace are two ways to keep students engaged. Your stories from the field and your moving around the class help students to reset their brains and concentration. Keep up this good effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Implementing Relevant Course Content

FRIEDA, I am a big believer in using all the resources you can. Your approach is doing just that. You are giving additional resources to your students so they can gain maximum knowledge while they are in your course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

FRIEDA, This is the power and value of the syllabus. By having a well prepared syllabus you answer the questions that student have as well as give them concrete information that will help them to get off to a good start in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

FRANCES J, There are numerous simple and quick assessments that are listed on the internet. Also, I observe my students while they are answering a general survey form that I give when I start a new course. You can quickly see those that are auditory, visual, and tactile learners by their body language, and responses on the form. I also ask them on the form how they feel they learn best and by the time they are in college students have an understanding of how they prefer to receive information. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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