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

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Brady, Student centered teaching in an active manner is a powerful instructional delivery approach. The more senses that can be involved in the learning process the better. Your students appreciate the opportunity to use their tactile learning preference while acquiring the cognitive part of the course as well. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Lydia, Reinforcement by an authority figures, in this case their instructor can be a great motivator for students, especially those that are worried about being successful in college. By helping them see that if they will work hard they can be successful and be valued by their families and their communities you are giving them a powerful support boost. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Maurice, Good starting point. Letting them know you understand their concerns since you have been through it just like they are now going through it. Also, if you can help them have success early in the class they quickly realize that they are going to be able to do well in the class and this really builds their confidence. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Lucia, So true. Feedback needs to be frequent and informative. Through feedback you get an ongoing assessment of how the course is going and the students know how they are faring in the class. This is a win win situation for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Michael, Your last sentence is very important on getting a class started. The students need to see that they have an educator that wants to help them to be successful if they are willing to put forth the necessary effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Lucia, This is the big connector when starting a new class. A positive first impression sets the stage for the upcoming course and sends the message to students that they have a dedicated professional that will be their learning leader. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Lucia, Good point about finding the right balance in terms of a classroom/lab environment that is comfortable for everyone to receive instruction in and feel supported by. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Chris, Clear understanding of the course goals and objectives is essential for students. By having this understanding they know what they need to do in order to be successful in the course. Everyone then is on the same page as the course moves forward and knowledge is shared. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Chris, Yes it is. Excitement is catching and this sets the stage for a engaging course for students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Lucia, All good components to include in the modeling of professionalism. Being a model of professionalism sets the tone for your course and how your students will see themselves as they develop their understanding of how to perform like professionals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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