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

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

LaShondra, I give my students specific guidelines in relation to their topics. Then I have them give me the topic they have selected and how they propose to cover it in their presentation. Generally it is enough. If I'm not clear on what they are doing then I ask for an outline and go over it with them. I make sure I maintain the time otherwise they can get carried away and ramble on or say everything in 10 seconds. I generally give them a time frame of no less than three minutes and no more than five or something… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Cynthia, What a powerful presentation this must have been. This is what real life is about and your presenter helped your students to see that through what she said as well as the content you offer. I am a big fan of using guest speakers and field trips to make the content come alive. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Cynthia, By personalizing the content students start to see the value of the course and how it will help them to achieve their career goals. This is when they start to get motivated and excited about what they are learning. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Cynthia, Yes, it does. Having many of their concerns addressed in the syllabus reduces their anxiety and answers questions they might not have even thought to ask. This gets everyone off to a good start with the same information and understanding of expectations. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Chris, It is so important to connect the dots between course content and real world application. By doing so you are increasing the value of the course to the students and this increases their engagement in the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Valerie, I think this is a great way to ramp up their interest. You are reinforcing the material that has been covered in a different way and this increases their engagement. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Valerie, How do you bring enthusiasm to your classroom and share it with your students? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

MorningStar, Students really perk up when stories about the field are shared. These stories increase the value of the course and show them relevance in relation to their career preparation. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Dorothy, All of these strategies help students to become engaged in the learning process. By appealing to the different learning preferences of students you are helping them to acquire the needed content through venues that are supportive of their learning. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Rochelle, Interaction between students moves them from being passive learners to being active learners. This is so important if you are going to be able to keep their interest for the duration of class sessions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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