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

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Nadh, You can use the same pace of delivery, just have some activity every 15-20 minutes to change the pace and flow of the class. For example you can lecture for 15-18 minutes and then pause for questions. Do another lecture and then have a group discussion. The change of pace doesn't have to be major just something that will let the students refocus and reset their brains a little so they can concentrate on something else and then go back to the content. Also, these discussions help them to see the relevancy and application of the content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Nadh, Yes, it is a good method to follow. It helps the students to see the value related to the education they are receiving. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Nadh, In situations like this role playing and small group problem solving activities really work well. They really help to engage the students in the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Nadh, Good strategy. I know your students will benefit greatly from all of your professional development efforts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Larry, Good strategies. I read a saying that I think captures your form comments. "It isn't how smart you are, but how you are smart." I believe this because we are all given different abilities and intelligences and we need to learn how to use them to our advantage. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Larry, Great way to bring episodic memory experiences into the learning process. You are helping your students to "connect the dots" in terms of learning content that they can apply to their own lives as well as see the relevancy. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Kara, It is common for all new instructors to feel this way so don't worry about it. Look for ways to expand your expertise, enjoy your students and always keep in mind that you are impacting lives. These thoughts will keep you coming back to the classroom time after time and before you know it you will feel like an expert. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Geri, So true. Enthusiasm is catching and it spreads throughout the class if the instructor brings it in to the class with a high level of energy. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Kara, Keep providing the encouragement and feedback but don't get trapped into babysitting them. It is easy to do and there has to be accountability and commitment on their part as well. They have to understand you have already graduated and been successful so you don't need to do the course work, you have the big desk in the room. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Danielle, So true and so important in order to keep the students engaged. Gary

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