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

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Annette, Like your analysis of how critical thinking should progress. Being raised on a farm myself and currently running a mule ranch I can tell you that almost every day I am faced with a new problem that requires the stop, think and reflect method of problem solving. One thing about country folks we have to solve most of our problems ourselves because we are so far from town we don't have anyone to call upon except ourselves to "fix" whatever is not working. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Althea, Yes, it does as it gives you more insight into the dynamics of the current class of students and how to work with them. This is one of the more you know the better situations. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

B. A., The more relevancy you introduce into your course the more valuable it will be to your students. You effort to find the latest data and examples of application of content is to be commended because you are showing your students how their learning efforts today will result in a stronger future for themselves. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Gwen, Two way respect sets the tone for the development of rapport. Rapport makes teaching a lot of fun because you are being a learning leader for your students and helping them move closer to their career goals. You are impacting their lives as a result and this is one of the rewards of teaching. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Gwen, This class opening is very important because it sets a tone for the class and helps the students get to know more about each other as well as you the instructor. I find introduction time to be a lot of fun and I am always amazed at how diverse the life experiences of my students are. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Gwen, Good way to set the tone for the class and establish the criteria for course success. Knowing this information helps to calm fears and reduce frustration on the part of students so they can concentrate on what it is they need to do in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Gwen, Two very good reasons to have a well prepared syllabus. A well prepared syllabus serves both the students and the instructor well in getting a new course launched. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Bruce, Students like variety and change of pace in their learning delivery. The more of both that can be introduced the better. As a result there will be a higher level of student engagement as well the different learning preferences of the students will be touched upon throughout the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

James, This is common because of the student network that exists in each school. As the learning leader you need to make sure they know who is leading the course and how it is going to be conducted. If this is not done it won't be long before control will have been lost by the instructor and then chaos will reign. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Bruce, Right you are because as you mention this greatly aides in class management. Also, by teaching the value of and as well as the consequences of following or not following procedures and/or rules you are helping them see how they need to conduct themselves in the workplace. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

End of Content