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

Implementing Relevant Course Content

Carlos, I teach a gen ed course as well and you are right about the challenge of getting career oriented students to see the value of the course. In my case they have to have it to receive their state certification. Your approach is what I use in terms of "selling" my content and making connections between the course and their career choice. When they see that connection they increase their participation and become more engaged but it is an ongoing effort for sure. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Jill, This to me is the human factor in being a learning leader. You are helping the student to develop not only the technical knowledge and skills of the field but also the communication and cooperation skills needed for career success. This is a balance that instructors need to bring to their students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Robyn, Good way to hold them accountable for having received and reviewed the syllabus. Takes the excuse away that they didn't know something about the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Carlos, Yes, it will. First class meetings are for me a fun time to get to know students and help them to get to know their classmates. We do introductions and ice breakers and share some laughs together. This gets everybody settled into the course and looking forward to future class sessions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Dirk, The topical outline really helps the students to see how the topics are going to unfold and I think this is a great service you are providing the students. Also, by sharing the topical with them you are taking away their excuse that they did not go online and look at the syllabus. Even if they haven't they have the topical so they are still being informed in terms of the direction the course is going to go. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Demetra, Yes, they do and as a result they are more focused on how they can be prepared and ready for the upcoming activities and content for the week. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Adam, Sharing a laugh with students goes a long way in terms of establishing a connection with them. Good point about passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching about it. When both are present students get excited about being in class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Jill, As fellow Type A I can relate to your liking such detail in a syllabus as a student and now desire to do that for your students. I was as a student and now as an instructor the same way. Keep up the effort and detail because it pays off for your students which in turn pays off for you as well. I strongly support your last sentence and your students need to understand this. If they are going to be successful in the workplace they are going to have to be prepared and meet deadlines. If they don't… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Dr. French, Thank you for these comments about how to establish a supportive and engaging learning environment. Not only do instructors need to establish a clean and attractive physical environment but they need also to consider the social and emotional aspects of how that environment supports learning. You have outlined how this can be done and I know this information will be of value to other instructors, especially those just starting their teaching careers. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Mercedes, In reality that is the learning environment for students. By having sufficient equipment, supplies and resources the students can focus on what is being taught and they start to feel comfortable in that environment. Good point on how to establish a supportive learning environment. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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