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 Your Expectations Clear

Elizabeth, I like the idea of having them sign a document that says they have received and read the information. This puts accountability on them and this is as it should be since they are in college and adults. Many of the students want to be treated like adults but want to be cared for like elementary students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Valarie, Yes it does. This is the beginning of a new working relationship so everyone is trying to size up everyone else and determine how the course is going to go. A positive first impression helps "sell" the class to them and they can then start to settle into and get comfortable with their new instructor. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Angela, Right you are and this is why it is critical that a positive first impression be made. It is upon this foundation that success is going to be built in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

William, The more their educational setting can reflect the work setting the better. This way the students will see what they will be working in and this will make the transition from the classroom to the work world easier for them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Valarie, This is a good point because the students need to know how the business and customer relations aspects of their field impacts their future success. All of the elements must be coordinated if there is going to be success in the work place. The more the students realize this the more successful they are going to be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Angela, To more you know about them the more accurately you can target your instruction. You make a good point about the difference experiences and preferences different ages groups of students have as it relates to instructional planning. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Shelly, The more senses you can engage the better. By doing the hands on you are helping the students to see the relevance and application of what is being taught and this increases the value of the content to them. Good strategy to employ. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Valarie, Passion for one's field and enthusiasm about teaching the content goes a long way in getting students engaged. As we all know excitement is catching. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Cynthia, I wish I had had you when I was in high school and college because I struggled with math for a long time due to the fact I could not see how all of the components fit together. Once I was in grad school I had a professor that was able to make the pieces fit and I was able to conquer stats and other math courses. You are right about enthusiasm helping to sell math and how it pertains to our lives. Keep up the good work. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Daniel, Yes, it is. There needs to be a reason for what is being taught in the minds of the students. The more they see value to the content the more engaged they will be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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