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

Making Instruction Relevant

Todd, I am sure you have noticed that your students really perk up when you share stories and examples from the field with them. This is because you are helping them to connect the content to their career area. They get excited and their motivation levels increase because they start to see themselves being successful in the career area and that all of their hard work is going to be worth it. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Sherry, I teach a gen ed course so I can relate to the challenges you face with your students. You are right on target with your approach in using the examples. The more you can connect math to their field and how math will help them be successful the more engaged they will be. It is at times a tough sell for some students but it is great when you see that you have won them over and they see there is value to what is being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Todd, Yes, it will and I think you will like the results you get using this method. I wish you continued teaching success as you customize your instruction to meet the needs of your current students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

William, Good way to get the students comfortable and settled into the course. Having them share something about themselves lets them talk about something they know (themselves) while learning about their fellow students. This sets the stage for a successful course and student growth. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Rima, So true and so important. The human factor is what will keep many students in school because they know they have an authority figure that cares about them as individuals and whats to help them succeed. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Nieva, The more relevance and application you can show your students the better. Field trips and guest speakers are two great ways to reinforce what you are teaching. So use them when and where you can to support your content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Nieva, I think this is a good strategy to use as it lets them use their cell phones as a part of the class. The key is to help them understand when and where to use their personal devices so they don't let these devices interfere with their learning but support it. I think your students will appreciate getting to use their phones in this way. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Erin, I think you will add additional ways of incorporating kinesthetic activities as you gain additional experience from trying different activities out. The content for my course is cognitive but I incorporate tactile and kinesthetic activities such as role playing, moving students into and out of small groups, etc.. Kinesthetic activities do not have to relate directly to the content but get the students moving and the blood flowing to have an effect on their ability to stay engaged. This means you can be creative and have fun moving your students around or having them do things while keeping the… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasoning as a Resource

Robert, I really like your approach because it helps students to develop self discipline and control in relation to problem solving. I use case studies a lot in my courses because they help students to learn how to think plus give theme examples of problems they are going to encounter when they are in the field. This sets up a win win situation for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Jennifer, This is important to do because students need to see their future opportunities especially when they are starting to wear down and get tired midway through the course. Ramping them up with stories and examples about employment opportunities and financial rewards gets them going again and excited about what is being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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