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

Your Instructional Style

Hi Lora, What might help in spreading out the learning opportunities for the diverse learners you have in your class would be to use guided notes or structured outlines. These to strategies have the students follow the outline but fill in the key points that are covered in lecture or the text. That way their focus is on critical knowledge. This keeps them engaged and forward focused as the class progresses. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Lora, We live in a day that brings some students to us with a sense of entitlement. As you say since they paid money they are entitled to receive a passing grade whether they have acquired the knowledge and skills required or not. You are following a professional course with your approach. They have to earn their passing grade. By helping them learn you are doing the right thing and by not giving them the answers you maintaining the high of your field. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Hi Antoinette, Good point about how to receive and use student feedback. As we know student feedback is valuable but it needs to be considered in the total context of the course and how the end results will be evaluated. This way we instructors can fulfill our professional responsibilities but also be sensitive to student needs. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Hi Antoinette, This is a very good point in terms of career preparation. Students should select a career area that provides them with the reinforcement they personally want, along with the financial return they desire. Any help they can get in this process will help them to know they have made the right choice and this increases the potential for them completing their coursework. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Blog

Being a Role Model for Students

Many career college students have selected area of study to prepare to enter a career that they don't totally understand or identify with. They are still in the process of learning about what their career area entails in relation to preparation, dedication and effort. To help them with this learning process you need to model what a professional in their career area is really like. So you are fulfilling two roles as an instructor. One, you are coordinating and directing their learning as a teacher of content and skills. Two, you are showing your students how a professional in the… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Hi Doreen, You have a real good understanding of how you are going to use the multiple intelligences and learning preferences of your students to develop your instructional planning. By "reading" your students you are going to be able to customize your delivery for maximum impact. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Juanita, Good strategies. I use both of these techniques in my classes with great results. My students really like them and they keep their interest throughout the class session. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Laura, This comfort is the foundation for the development of respect and rapport. Learning will be greatly enhanced as a result of the students knowing they have a caring instructor leading their learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Thomas, Good point concerning the syllabus. This is why it is so important to have a well developed and comprehensive syllabus. This will reduce much student anxiety as they will know what the expectations, polices and requirements are from the very beginning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Antoinette, The use of multi-sensory instruction is very effective for students just as you mention. This way they can work in their learning preference while gaining the needed content and skills. Gary

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