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

Motivating Learners

Erwin, Not sure you can because that person has chosen not to be a part of the learning process. I would talk with that student and try to see if you can gain some insight into why he or she will not be a part of the class and then ask for their cooperation. If that does not work then I would concentrate on those student that want to be in class and enjoy the success you can have with them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Diane, I have found this with many of my students as well. They don't want to take any risks while learning to be problem solvers. As history has shown us most of the great problem solvers were risk takers and they failed many times. The approach you are using seems to give them opportunities to be risk takers while also giving them guidance and support as they walk through the problem solving process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Kenneth, Your last sentence really puts this all together for your students. They need to be able to work through these steps if they are going to develop critical thinking skills that will lead them to problem solving success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Carolyn, Great to hear about the information you have received from this course. I am excited about what you are going to be able to do as you create your instructional delivery format and select the activities that will keep your students engaged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Manuel, Humor is a powerful teaching tool and from your comments it seems that you have found a good way to bring it into your lectures and keep your students engaged. This is what makes learning fun for your students as you mention. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Manuel, This gets everyone on the same page in terms of information and understanding. Then you can go from there with your instructional delivery. The key is for your students to see you as a organized and dedicated professional educator that is ready to be their learning leader. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Katie, I support your separation between the course syllabus and course outline. I have a standard syllabus I use that covers all of the major policies, safety issues, grading rubrics,etc.. Then I develop and handout a course outline and calendar that is based upon how we are going to operate in that specific course in that specific session. You make a good point about how there is a need to have some flexibility in the outline to respond to student needs. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Intelligence

Barbara, This is such a great approach and I know as a result when your students leave your program they are prepared to focus on all aspects of patient care and service. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Sandy, Good way to get to know your students quickly as well as helping them to stay engaged since they know you know their names and that you might call on them at anytime. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Jacqueline, This is a high stakes form of education because the students are preparing to enter their career area. Each and every class has a specific part to play in their total career development. They need to see the value associated with each class and each project. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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