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

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Lilly, There is a saying in relation to value of listening that goes "When you are listening you are learning and when you are talking you are not.". This is something we need to help our students to understand and practice. All of us could stand to do more listening. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Frankie, Right you are. Get them when you can and that is the first class meeting. Then you can build on that impression to create a dynamic learning community for your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Implementing Relevant Course Content

Laura, Good reinforces because you are sending signals to your students in terms of how important the content is to the field and why they need to learn it. These cues will help them in note taking as well as focus them on what they need to study when tests are given. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Miguel, This is what creates value and engagement in your courses. The more application the students get to make the higher their perception of relevance and this is what "sells" the class to them. The outcomes will be enhanced and the students will be enthused when it comes to seeing how much progress they have made in a short period of time. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Erica, This is a very important point that instructors need to remember. My students seem to hit the wall about three fourths through the course. They are worn down and they lose focus so they need a change of pace, fun activity or something that will get them ramped up and excited about how far they have come and how much they have learned. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Gina, This is a good support service for students to have. Many of them are not sure how to create support systems, especially those in the study area. I am sure that the retention rate of your students is higher as a result of having these opportunities for support being provided. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Alexis, Great strategy to follow. Students like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery and you are offering this via your methods. I am sure your students appreciate this approach and as a result their engaged level is much higher. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Juan, So true. The first impression is the foundation upon which you build the rest of the class so it needs to be a good one. When the students leave the first class they should be excited about and looking forward to the up coming class sessions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Alexis, Great way to open a new course. Your observations and interactions with the students gives you insight that will be so valuable as you plan your instructional delivery. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Roberta, Great work in setting a supportive tone for the class. By demonstrating your passion for your field and bringing enthusiasm for teaching about it to class each time you are a role model for the students and they will catch your excitement. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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