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 Increasing Student Motivation

Mamadou, Concrete examples bring value to the course content and help students to see the application of what you are teaching. Your use of yourself as an example of success shows them that they to can be successful if they are willing to put forth the effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

TaKara, Good approach and one that reduces questions and confusion. Students have "selective memory" issues sometimes when it comes to assignments and due dates. By having a syllabus that spells things our clearly and concisely you will reduce their questions and anxiety. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Doreen, Right you are about first impressions. They are big in terms of setting the tone for a new class. We need to be prepared and ready for the class so the students see us as confident learning leaders that will help them to be successful in the course if they are willing to put forth the effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Deborah, Good point about the syllabus. It is the guide for the course and the students will be following it. It needs to be clear and concise if it is to serve the purpose for which it was written. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Mamadou, Having done extensive work in developing countries to establish schools for children I know exactly what you are talking about. The impact of having one textbook for every two children is considered a wonderful gift. Desks are just wooden planks and the chalkboard is a slab of wood painted black. The children thought these simple educational supports were wonderful and they were so thankful for having them. These kids understand the value of being able to read and write and how education will help create a future for them. We have so many wonderful educational opportunities in this country… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Harold, Good point and one that is critical in instructional planning. This is how everyone gets on the same page which results in the establishment of an effective learning community. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Robert, Yes, I believe it does. This learning format helps the students to be able to internalize and store needed content in their long term memory base at a higher rate of retention. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Mamadou, I congratulate you on your professional development plan. You are on the right track and I know the result will be more effective and impacting instruction on your part. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

TaKara, The more blending of instruction the better. This way you are appealing to an engaging a wider variety of learning preferences from your students and this will increase their focus on the learning process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Harold, One way is to observe the culture of your school and the demographics of your students. Information from these sources will help you to see how you can shape your instructional delivery in a way that will get students engaged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

End of Content