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

Making a Positive First Impression

Bliss, Well said in terms of why the first impression is a snap shot of what is going to be how the course is going to operate and your position as the learning leader. It builds from there so the first impression needs to be a good one. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Bliss, It is the foundation upon which the course expectations are built and communicated and this is why it needs to be clear and concise. This gets everyone on the same page and looking forward to what is going to be shared in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Joseph, This is a good point in relation to helping students see the value of the information they are developing and skills they acquiring. The more connection they can see the more important the course will become to them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Cassie, Knowing what brought them gives you opportunity to engage them in a personal way as they develop their knowledge and skills in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Shannon, Student feedback is how we improve our courses and support our students. Also, as you mention students appreciate it when you ask for their input and feedback. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Human Factor in Retention

Shannon, Yes it is. This is the human factor in teaching and must never forget to live and promote it as we interact with students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Lorin, Yes, they are. They for the most part like being passive learners because they can disconnect with what is going on and just sit there. When they are asked to be active learners they sometimes are at a loss because they have to stay engaged and learn new thing for the duration of the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

William, Well said. We need to bring our A game to class each and every time we interact with students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

BRENDA, This is a very important class management tool. By bringing in all students and having them contribute helps everyone to feel a part of the class and to know they are valued both as students and individuals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Tammie, I know you are going to like the results you get because mini-lectures lets your students make application of the content that has just been covered. So you can do a mini-lecture, activity, mini-lecture and activity. This will hold the attention of students for the duration of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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