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

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Teresa, You have listed the two key words for students to see and understand. When you show them relevancy and application you are increasing the value of the course to them and validates the reason why they are enrolled in the program. They see how the course is moving them toward their career goals and this increases their motivation. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Teresa, Good way to get input from your students while helping them to see the value of the questions they are asking as well as the answers they are giving. This helps them to see that they are respected for who they are and thus are more willing to contribute throughout the duration of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Teresa, Congratulations for the impact you are having on the lives of your students. You are seeing the results of you bringing passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching about it to the classroom. You are a model that your students can follow and they can put their confidence in you as their learning leader. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Stephanie, I like to have introductions and then do an ice breaker. This helps the students to get settled into the course and I get to learn about more about them and their purpose for being in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

George, By doing this you will be showing your students the value of the instruction they are receiving. They are there to learn about how to be successful and earn a good income. The more connections to these two goals the more relevancy you attach to your course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Teresa, Thank you for sharing how you are developing as an instructor as well as identifying your instructional style. As you gain experience you will be able to see how you can be most effective with your students and help them be successful in your classes. I am sure you have seen this already in your 10 months of teaching. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Donna, I use case studies a lot in my classes as well. I really like how they get students involved and thinking about possible solutions. I can appreciate the energy this activity brings to your classes because case studies sure bring energy to mine. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Heather, I am a big fan of role playing and case studies. Both give students the opportunity to make applications of what has been covered so they will see the relevancy of what is being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Cathy, Student feedback is one of the most powerful ways of improving instruction. They more we hear from them the more changes we can make so we are increasing their learning opportunities. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Michelle, Using these different learning formats makes the class not only fun for the students but you as well. They really get into the discussions and their excitement grows in terms of what is being shared. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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