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

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Paula, You make a point about "essential knowledge and skills". We need to be able to identify both of these and then make sure they are taught to the point the students have them stored in their working memory banks. They can gain the other information at a future time as they progress in their career development. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Steven, I think this is a great idea. I use case studies and role playing in my classes to help the students develop skills and knowledge about what they will encounter when they are in the workplace. The more experience they have in this the easier their transition will be. Keep up the good work. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Steven, Like your ideas for keeping students engaged for the duration of the course. It is critical that they stay on point with their efforts. It is easy for them to get distracted and worn down during the middle of the course so with a field trip or a guest speaker you can ramp them back up and get them excited for the duration of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Joanne, The first few minutes of the course are so important. This is why doing an ice breaker and introductions helps the students to settle in and get comfortable while you are getting a "read" on the enrollees. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Joanne, So important because students do not like surprises. Everything needs to be laid out in a clear and concise manner. By doing so you are increasing the value of the syllabus to the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Joanne, I agree. We are models to and for our students. If we do not dress or conduct ourselves in a professional manner we are sending a message that we are not professionals and that we don't care about our field or our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Kelly, This is a great goal to have. The more senses you can help students use the more engaged they are going to be in the learning process. Keep up this most worthy effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Debra, What are some specific ways you plan on doing this? Do you have access to a smart board at your school? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Elaine, I call this connecting the dots. The more dots that are connected the more value the students associate with the course. You are doing a great job of expanding their understanding of learning opportunities and knowledge applications. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Richard, The majority of instructional strategies have been gained this way. Educators are good at reading about, seeing a demonstration of or observing others doing instructional things that can incorporated into their classrooms and labs. Once an educator has taken something refined to meet his or her needs another person takes that and goes even further so the technique keeps getting better and better. Keep sharing! Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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