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

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Gregory, I remember that movie as well. At my college that model is still being used by some of the instructors. Which I think is sad, since these instructors are missing out on really enjoying teaching and interacting with students. I agree with you about the need help students to develop their thinking and problem solving skills. These are the skills that are going to move them to the next level in their careers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Student Feedback

Hi Carolyn, Good points about the need for instructors to get and use student feedback. This really helps instructors to make adjustments in the course as needed to stay focused on the students' needs as they emerge. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Martin, You are on the right track. You have a clear goal and supporting objectives that keep the students moving forward in their learning. Good job! Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Mark, Goals are general directional indicators of what you want to accomplish in the class. Objectives are the specific learning points along the way that enable you to accomplish the goal. As long as you know what you want to accomplish with your students and what their outcomes should be then you don't need to get hung up on language. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Mark, Thanks for sharing your method of getting started as a new instructor. Your advice will be of great help to other new instructors as they approach the classroom for the first time. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Hi Prof. Phyllis, You make a number of good suggestions on how to keep students engaged. Thanks for sharing them with us. The use of mentors is a great way to encourage, support and motivate students. Always like hearing that instructors are serving in this role. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Liz, Thank you for these comments. They are a good reminders for all instructors in terms of why they need to have a well planned and comprehensive syllabus. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Hi Carol, Good way to show your students relevancy in terms of what they just learned. By making application of new knowledge the students have a higher percentage of retention as well as increased satisfaction with their learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Tiffany, This is a good way to involved other students and help those students that need some assistance. The peer peer tutoring can be a real help to those students that are afraid to ask for help from the instructor, even though the instructor has offered to help. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Blog

Settling the First Class Meeting Nerves

Most instructors as they start a new class have a case of nerves even if they have taught before. A small case of nerves is ok because it shows that you are still concerned that everything will go well with your new students. The key is to make sure that your nerves don't get take control of your presentation efforts.

There are some strategies you can use to help get your nerves under control and feel confident as you meet the class for the first time.

1. Be organized. Get your handouts together and have them laying on the desk… >>>

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