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

The Human Factor in Retention

Gina, This is such a good point and one we need to remember as instructors. Our class may be the only quiet and focused time our students can find support and encouragement. This respite is so valuable to them as they get ready to face life once they go home. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Jessica, This is called the "wrap around" method and it works. You start the story and add to it throughout the session and bring it to conclusion at the end so you have wrapped the story completely around the content being shared. It is a fun and engaging teaching tool. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Robert, Thank you for sharing these strategies for keeping students engaged. Your methods bring variety and change of pace throughout the course session and this is what keeps the interest of students. Your class sounds like a very interesting as well as fun one to be in. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Sara, Thank you for these informative comments. I know they will be helpful to many other instructors. You are right on with your discussion of the need for variety in instructional delivery. This is how you keep the attention of students while increasing their retention of the content. I have a mental picture of that class attempting the dance moves from the video and I am smiling. I am sure this was a fun experience and one that the students did not forget. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Kathy, Thank you for the kind words. I wish you continued teaching success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Kathy, For sure. This is critical in getting the class off to a good start. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Pam, Students are very concerned about what the expectations of the course are so the first class meeting should be used to explain the details of the course to them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Greg, Good way to set a professional standard for your class. Many students do not see the first day of class as being important so they are late or don't come at all. I let those that come know the details of the course, due introductions and have an ice breaker. We have a fun and informative first class meeting. I let those that chose not to attend catch up on their own and I have a talk with them individually. As a result they realize that I am going to hold the standard of being on time and in… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Jessica, Right you are. This is why the first class meeting needs to be planned in a way that sets a professional tone, is informative and enables students to get settled into the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Robert, Thank you for these comments about how to set up the first day of class for success. All of the components you list contribute to the professional tone that needs to be set the first day. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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