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

Using Graphic Organizers

Debra, This is why I use them as well. They help my students to see the parts of the concept we are studying as well as the whole when we put all of the segments together. They are a visual way of understanding abstract concepts. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Debra, No problem with the name. I appreciated your thoughts in the forum. As for pretesting I think is can give valuable insight into the students that are just starting a course. I use pretesting to establish a baseline from which I can plan on what instructional strategies I am going to use. I am able to customize my instruction that that student population and that helps me to engage them in the learning process much quicker. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Debra, Thank you for these thoughts about we need to offer variety in our instruction so our students can process the content within their preferred intelligence. This processing helps to increase the retention of the content as well as gives them an understanding of how they can apply what is being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Jeannie, By you having them tell you you are helping them to see the value of the gen ed courses you are teaching. I teach such courses as well so I can appreciate the challenge that comes with helping students to see why gen ed courses are required and how they help them to move closer to their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

John, These discussions are great opportunities to see what your students are thinking in terms of their preparation as well as how they see themselves entering the field and the contributions they can make. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Daniel, This is such an important discussion to have with students. I commend you for having it. You are helping them to see they are not only preparing for a career but for the future of which they will be a part of shaping. This increases the value of the content for the students and gives them something to think about as they get closer to graduation. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Jeannie, This is the way to get everyone involved and keep the class moving forward. I am sure these are fun discussion times with your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Patricia, Thank you for these comments about the need for REFOCUS time. For those of us that teach longer block classes it is a challenge to stay fresh and up on the latest content as well as delivery methods. We do wear down and as a result we need to do what we can to remain fresh. I am looking forward to the end of our session in three weeks so I can work on some new activities I want to try when we come back in January. I can't wait to see if they will work. Gary Gary Meers,… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Daniel, Like your example. As an outdoors person myself I can relate to the need to keep your fire burning. When you are teaching using only the "coals" you are doing a dis-service to your students and yourself. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

John, I agree. Starting with the earning of mutual respect and then building on the development of rapport. At this level you have many wonderful opportunities to impact the lives and career development of your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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