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

Instructors as Role Models

David, So true. I have experienced such many times in my career so I work very hard at being the learning leader I need to be so I can shape the personality of that class and help them to move forward with their learning opportunities. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Brian, This seems to be a common problem so we need to help them to slow down and analyze the problem as they seek solutions. The more real world cases you can share with them the better as this will get them to thinking about what they will face once they are out in the workplace and facing problems that they are being paid to fix. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Patrick, This is a good point in that many students do require a blend of delivery formats in order for them to internalize the key concepts. The more variety we can offer them the more engagement potential there will be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

David, Good point and something that we educators need to remember as we get involved with running a course. It is easy to lose focus and then not "recage" our brains for the remainder of the course sessions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Angel, Yes it does and this is why it is important to plan for and deliver a good first impression and class opening. It is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Tom, I use this method as well because there is always something to learn from students. You are right about how it motivates them because they like to share their knowledge and experience others, especially their instructor. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Royace, What are some ways that you show students how they will be rewarded that has yielded good results for you? Thanks for your input on this. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

David, Like your thoughts on how to retain students. You are right about the need to explore how to make the class more meaningful for the students. Each student needs to personalize the course for themselves if they are going to see value in what is being taught. The more connections of this type that are made the greater the retention as well as engagement there will be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

David, This is a good way to get a feel for your students and then customize your instructional delivery to meet their needed. You are placing yourself in their seats and then planning from there. One of the big things when doing this is to be a good listener. Students need to see you as a person that listens to them and then respects them for what they share with you in relation to their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Royace, This is great information to have as it helps you when you do your instructional planning and content selection. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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