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

Students as Class Members

Jimin, Good suggestions for getting students engaged in the class and feeling comfortable with being a part of the learning process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Jimin, Listening to students is one of the most powerful engagement tools you have as a learning leader. Through listening you are letting the students know you care about them and value their opinions. This is the foundation upon which respect is developed. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Mahmoud, Good point. They have already made a step toward their future by going back to school. They need to realize that they are creating career opportunities for themselves each and every time they attend class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Chenal, Good blend of resources to get your message across to your students. Each of these methods helps to illustrate to your students the value of the material being presented and gives them ideas for how they can apply what they are learning. This increases the ROI of the course to and for them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Damona, Good planning in terms of how to engage your students. As you develop your confidence in doing demonstrations you will see increased interest on the part of your students. They really like to see applications of the concepts being presented. Demonstrations increase the value of the content to the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Jeanie, Your instructional planning is right on target. You are providing instruction in the various learning venues that enable students to use their preferences to acquire the information and develop their skills. Your area is a great area for this to occur because it is a blend between knowledge and skills. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hayli, I think this is a great strategy to follow as a new instructor. Your presence throughout the school sent a very strong signal that you were there and available to engage students in conversation and provide support. This gave you a jump start when you started your course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Jayne, Good way to start an exchange of information and establish yourself as the learning leader while learning more about your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Damona, This is a common issue with many instructors. I teach a course from 4 until 10 pm and I have to work very hard to keep my already tired students engaged for such a long period of time. I use many different activities just as you are and for the most part I keep their attention but there are always those few that want to "drift" off and I have to try and bring them back into the learning process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Damona, Thank you for sharing this ice breaker with us. Sounds like a fun one that gets everyone involved. I am always looking for additional ice breakers I can use because they are such a great way to start off a new course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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