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

Making Instruction Relevant

Chad, You are on the right track with your assignments and applications. I teach a course like this for our seniors. They have to take and pass my course in order to get their state certification. Needless to say most of them do not value what I have to offer. I take it as a personal challenge to get them engaged and help them to see the value of my content. It is tough at times but I get great reward out of hearing them say that I shared with them content that they actually can use. Gary Gary Meers,… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Kelleen, Have your requirements laid out clearly in your syllabus. Students have selective memories when it comes to due dates and projects. I prepare a one page handout with the due dates and specific requirements that I share with the students in addition to the syllabus. I print the handout on colored paper and I refer to that sheet throughout the course. This way the sheet doesn't get mixed up with other papers. In addition I send reminders to the students via BlackBoard. I am firm on the due dates and it is amazing that after points are taken off… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Kelleen, The closer to the real world the better. This way the students will see why they are being taught what they are and their transition to the work world will be easier. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Kelleen, Welcome to the profession. I wish you much teaching success. Glad to hear that you have gained information that will be helpful to you in this course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Leeann, Sounds like a good plan. Your students have many opportunities to ask questions about the content and make applications. You are checking for understanding along this way and this is important to keep everyone moving forward. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Sacha, Learners like variety and change of pace and you are offering both to keep your students engaged. You are appealing to the different learning preferences of your students as the progress through the course and this will help them to stay focused. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Gary, You have developed a well coordinated flow to your instruction. You are offering variety and change of pace which helps to keep students engaged while checking for understanding. I wish you continued teaching success using the model. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Sacha, Clear and concise instructions about course expectations do a lot to relive fear and reduce frustration. Good way to start a course and get everyone on the same page. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Gary, This is a good plan to follow as it starts with a foundation of trust and support and builds from there. As time goes by then rapport can be developed and learning will be enhanced. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Gary, Many schools follow this procedure for consistency. This can make it tough for instructors but there is always ways to personalize the course to fit your style. By having a standard syllabus a lot of work has been taken off of you so you can concentrate on the instructional aspects of your course as well as your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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