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

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Katrina, This is a good strategy to follow because you have your students anticipating the next phase of the class. This is what learning should be about and it makes the classes a lot more fun for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Tralanda, Thank you so much for these kind words. Glad this information was of value to you. I wish you continued teaching success as you continue to impact the lives of your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

Billy, I give my students Professional Points to encourage attendance and being on time. Enough points to help them move up a grade and conversely enough to drop a grade. Students really pay attention to these points and work to earn them. Of course there are always one or two students that will not be impacted by anything that is done at the school and their grades reflect their attitude as well as helps to shape their future if there is going to be one. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Brenda, I think this method reflects on the difference between and among students. If they have achieved the competencies then they are ready to move on. The instructor can feel good because he or she knows that that student has the knowledge and skills needed to move to the next level. A win win for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Teresa, Look for repeated comments from students. I use the 10% rule in terms of student feedback. When 10% of my students comment on an activity, requirement or assessment then I look carefully at what I am requiring or doing so I can make adjustments or modifications. As instructors we need to look for ways to improve our instruction but we can't get bogged down in making changes if we have one student that is unhappy. The squeaky wheel does get the grease but that squeaky wheel is not going to turn the entire vehicle. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Brenda, What do you do to overcome burn out? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Billy, Relevance and application needs to be seen by students. When they see these two elements they become engaged in the learning process and excited about the knowledge being acquired and skills being developed. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Deborah, Very good point about the contribution the human factor makes in helping students achieve success. Instructors value the connections they make with their students and how they have helped students move toward their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Billy, Well said. Student centered instruction is where we must find ourselves as teachers. What makes teaching so much fun is the human factor because it enables us to connect with our students and facilitate their career progress. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Billy, Right you are because this is how you customize your instructional delivery. The more you know about your students the more accurate you can be with your teaching. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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