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

Your Instructional Style

Theresa, So true and this is why it is important of make sure the use of technology is a part of your professional development plan. Here at MaxKnowlege ad have a number of new courses coming on line this fall that will address the use of technology in classrooms. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Sarah, Your last sentences really puts this value of clear goals and objectives in perspective. A definition of learning I like is "learning is like trying to take a drink out of a fire hose." You are helping through your goals and objectives students to see how they can take that drink and get the needed knowledge and skills. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Sarah, Thank you for the explanation of how you approach your instructional planning as well as your definition of instructional professionalism. This is how active learning should be offered because it places the ownership of learning on students and asks that they become a part of their destiny. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Dana, Trust and respect are the foundational elements needed to develop rapport with students. Without either then there is not going to be a connection that will maximize the learning process. Gray Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Nieva, Starting a new class of students is always a lot of fun because it is exciting to learn about the diverse life experiences the students have had prior to entering the class. This information will help in the instructional planning process as well as you mention revealing what type of learners are in the class. Good way to start the learning effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Nieva, Learners like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery. The more instructors can do this the more appealing the learning process will be to students. Your comments reflect this best practice that will enhance the knowledge acquisition of students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Brenda, The more you can move learners from being passive to being active the better. With your strategies you are helping to make this happen and keep the students focused on the information being presented. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Brenda, Organization and preparation are two essentials needed for teaching and learning success. You have them outlined well in terms of getting students engaged from the beginning of class through the conclusion. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Nastassia, I teach a required gen ed course as well so I can relate to your comments and situation. I want to commend you for the connections you are drawing for your students between your subject and their career area. The more of these type of connections the more engaged the students will be because you are showing them value to what they are being taught and will need for their career growth. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Terry, This is a key point. Finding that personal motivator is so exciting because then you have something to build on with that student. The more of these motivators you have the more engaged the bulk of the class will be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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