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

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Lisa, Not sure what you mean by this. Can you explain? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Implementing Relevant Course Content

David, Very good point because it is easy for the students to veer off the topic and forward progress is lost in terms of the purpose for the discussion in the first place. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Deborah, Good way to spread your instructional delivery around to appeal to the different learning preferences in your course. By doing so you are increasing the engagement factor and enhancing their learning as well as content retention. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Deborah, This is what helps to make the course real for students. They need to see a connection between the course content and their lives. Once they do their motivation and excitement about the course increases and the process of learning unfolds. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

David, Trust, respect and rapport are all development components needed to establish a connection with students. Your comments are right on as the process starts when each student steps into the classroom and begins the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Deborah, I use case studies and scenarios a lot in my teaching as well. I really like how these two strategies get the students involved and using the content that has been shared with them. I know your students are excited they get to use what they are learning in an applied manner. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Adrian, There are a couple of things you can do. One, is after presenting content and/or a demonstration ask students for feedback on their level of engagement and understanding. You can do this by giving them 3X5 cards upon which they can write their comments. Another is to video tape one of your classes or have an experienced instructor observe your class and give you feedback. Your style will reflect your personality so you can see how comfortable you are in delivering content as an extension of yourself and you will start to see your instructional personality start to emerge.… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Lakshman, Listening is learning and it increases the respect your students will have for you as their instructor. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Lisa, How do you do that with your students? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Deborah, You are establishing yourself as a learning leader with this approach. You are modeling the soft skills needed for career success while telling them about the technical skills they are going to need to enter the field. This combines both parts of career development that students need. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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