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

Cenek, You tell the students what your rules are for cell phone use in class. Then enforce the rule and be consistent. As a result there will be no problems as the students will quickly start to follow your rules. If they don't then remind them and enforce them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Ashley, This has been my experience as well and that is why I use them in my courses. The get a visual picture of how the different components fit together so create the sum of what is being studied. I have found them very useful as study aids for the students so they can focus on the key elements. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Jonathan, You make a very good point about how to increase the value of the course to students. By them knowing the outcome via the syllabus, goals and objectives plus application examples they will see the relevance in what they are being asked to learn. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

Paul, I am a big fan of planning myself. Snap decisions often do not yield the results desired. Students need to learn how to proceed through the necessary steps that will yield good planning and thus good results. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Paul, So true in terms of doing research and extending every effort to learn as much as is possible about a situation, problem or choice. This way as you mention buyer's remorse will be reduced and satisfaction enhanced as a result of knowing information was acquired and a selection made that fits the situation. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Carlos, This is such an important part of the learning and growth process. Students need be able to sort through information and then come up with solutions after they have considered consequences. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

James, Something I do is to have them write their short and long term goals down. I use 3X5 cards. I collect them and then some where around 1/3 to 1/2 way through the course I bring the cards back to class and we revisit them. I have the students write their short and long term goals again based on what they have learned so far in the course. I find this second go at goals is much better because the students have learned more about their field via the course as well as they have grown in understanding about… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Jim, You have a very good instructional plan laid out. I know this approach is going to attract and hold the attention of your students. Also, with this approach you are going to enhance the value of the content in relation to their career development. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Cynthia, So true and such an important part of starting off a new class. You are the learning leader so you need to dress and conduct yourself as such. This way you can ask the same from your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

DAVID, This is such good advice for instructors to consider, especially new instructors. By taking a "reading" of students and their body language you are able to adapt to their needs and provide support as required. This is what responsive instruction is all about. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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