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

Students as Class Members

Hi Joanna, Great job of making sure all students feel included in the learning process. Through recognition you are helping them to see the value they have in the class. This really helps with retention. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Being Successful in College

Hi Joanna, I like your approach. I am amazed as well how hard students will work for a smiley face and these are my advanced students. Yes, little successes really help toward big successes. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Blog

Forming Learning Groups

In the work world we all have to learn how to work with others. Different positions require different levels of interaction with co-workers but no matter the intensity interaction does occur. Our students need to learn how to work with others in their classes as they prepare to enter the work world. The more opportunities we can provide them to work with others the greater service we are offering them in terms of both personal and professional growth.

Putting students into groups is a good way to help them develop skills in working others. Assigning the groups case studies and/or… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Gail, You are right about the value of learning the names of students quickly and using them often. One's name is the identity point for all other individuals so when it is used it show they are valued. The is a great asset to have as a teacher when the students know you value them and know them personally enough to know their names. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Patricia, So true. This is why the syllabus has to be well done if it is going to serve the purpose for which it is designed. A sloppy incomplete syllabus does more damage than good when starting a new class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Shannan, Right on both counts. This sets a good tone for the class and helps to get the students involved in the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Hi Benjamin, Both of your reasons for offering instructional variety reinforce the need for good planning when it comes to choices of instructional delivery. If students are to remain engaged in the learning process throughout the course they need to have opportunities to learning in their preference areas and have the content be fresh and exciting. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Valuing Student Opinions

Hi Rose, Not sure what this means. Can you expand on what their surveys are and how you use them? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Application of New Knowledge

Hi Catherine, What are some examples of strategies you use to bring scenarios and examples into your classes. I know other instructors will value having this information for their own instructional planning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Michelle, You set the tone at the very first class meeting by explaining why you have the expectations you do. You give examples of how you will help the students move toward achieving their career goals that reflect the standards of their field. Do some ice breakers after you have gone through the syllabus and course expectations. Share some laughter with the students and get them comfortable and settled into the course. This will help them to see you as a human being rather than this horrible person they have heard about. Keep in mind though you have to… >>>

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