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

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Thomas, You have a very clear understanding of how to structure a lecture and then measure the results that are achieved. This is what increases the value of a lecture for students. They see the reason and relevancy for why the selected content is being offered and how that content can be applied in their career development. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Patricia, Your observation is right on and illustrates how we need to strive to keep the focus of our students for the duration of the course. I like your point about not lowering the standards in your class but striving to maintain even when some of the students are not as focused as they should be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Patricia, Don't despair your situation is no uncommon for many instructors. By doing all of the things you are doing you are offering variety of delivery and change of pace and these two strategies do make a difference. Keep doing what you are doing and be on the lookout for other activities you can try in your class. Instructional engagement is an ongoing process for us all. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Thomas, Your last sentence really captures the essence of how to engage students in the learning process. Thank you for making it a part of your comments. Students have to have confidence in their instructor as a learning leader. Without this confidence then the instructor is nothing more than a space heater in a class. Displaying the human factor, interacting in a friendly way and showing confidence as the instructor builds a trust with the students that advances the cause of learning. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Jacqueline, Good way to reach out an gain input from students and get them to be a part of the learning process. This is what student centered teaching is about. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Thomas, I don't think it is corny at all. I think your approach is creative and it makes a connection between the student and what is going to be studied in the class. You also expanded the approach and value of knowing information from a historical perspective and then building on that to present day. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Miriam, You are so right in terms of what it takes to engage adult learners. I am a big fan of using guest speakers and field trips to reinforce what is being taught. The other activities you mention increase the value of the content so the students will see both relevancy and application of what is being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Patrick, Like how you involve your students throughout the class sessions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Darrren, This is a good point in terms of needing to plan for the different learning preferences of students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Gerald, What are some ways you do this with your students? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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