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 a Positive First Impression

Susanne, Like your idea of listening to the students right from the beginning. I give my students a pretest so I can get a baseline on them and then I have them respond to some general questions on a 3X5 card. Their responses help me to see where they are coming from and what their expectations are. This way we can get on the same page from the beginning of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Yordy, This is a must right from the beginning so the students see what the expectations are and can do a self assessment in terms of whether they think they can meet those requirements. They need to be able to see where the course is going and what it is going to take to be successful in it. If they can't they are going to be frustrated and anxious. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Joshua, This is common as I believe college students have selective hearing. So I refer them back to the syllabus for the answers to their questions. I do announce to the class due dates as we get closer to a major project or quiz to make sure that they hear me one more time. Sometimes they do sometimes they don't. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Joshua, I have the same situation and so I prepare a handout to highlight the key elements that I think are overlooked in the standard syllabus. Also, in the handout I list due dates and the grading rubrics which helps the students to review the course requirements and polices more in-depth. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Robert, Good point and thank you for making it. Being prepared really helps with confidence and with confidence comes an increased level of student engagement and enthusiasm for teaching. A win win for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Kareme, Sounds like you are ready to go with your instructional plan. I wish you much success with this endeavor and I know you are going to have a head start as a result of your previous experience. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Kimberly, This is a good plan to follow. You are doing all you can for these types of student. Then it is up to them to decide if they are going to invest in their future. I am always amazed at students that don't care even when they are paying tuition to secure an education that will lead to a future. It is a their choice for sure but when I think of the many individuals that never get a chance to get such an education I wish they would catch fire and get engaged in the learning process. Gary… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Kimberly, You are on the right path as an instructor. You are engaging your students and getting them to think about the content that is being shared. This is a student centered approach and this is what your focus should be as an instructor of merit. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Melissa, Way to go with your passion for your content and enthusiasm for teaching about it. This is what helps to "sell" the content to the students and this gets them engaged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Robert, So true and so important. By showing them value in what is being taught you are helping them to see the relevance and application of the content and this increases their motivation. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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