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

Using Graphic Organizers

Laura, This is a very good idea as you are helping your students to see how they can organize the content that is being shared in the slides. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Laura, Good balance of how you are assessing your students. By being able to show their knowledge and skills in different ways you are letting them demonstrate their mastery in multiple ways. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Birgit, The "reading" of students is critical in keeping students engaged and the course moving forward. You are doing such with this approach. You are so right about the need to remain flexible and being able to make adaptations on the fly. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Sally, These stories are important in creating a connection between the course content and the future of the students. You are right they are good motivators for the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Don, This is a good way to personalize the course while still using the standardized syllabus that the school requires. You are stamping your personalty and career experiences on the course this way. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Birgit, This is not ideal on the part of the school and is tough on the instructor but it happens frequently. Hopefully when instructors get such an assignment they can see the value of the content they are offering and structure it in a way that is meaningful to the students. In your case keep your eye on the next time you teach your course as it will be much easier due to all of the time and effort you invested in the current course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Sally, What are some of the ways that they do in terms of your instructional planning? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Jessica, Students like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery. You are providing both with this approach and as a result you are able to keep them engaged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Sally, Peer peer work groups and work activity completion is a great way to have the students share their skills and knowledge while learning how to work with others. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Birgit, This is one of the challenges as an adjunct. You are trying to provide the most comprehensive and current instruction in your field while maintaining your career. Preparing for even one class is a very time consuming effort but once you have these resources put together you will be able to focus on other aspects of your course when you teach it again. You have a great attitude of dedication toward your field, your students and your teaching efforts. Never lose this zeal. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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