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

Instructors as Motivators

Yvonne, This is an important part of the learning process. Having them verbalize how they have progressed helps them to see that in fact they have and that they are moving toward their career goals. They need help in keeping their vision of the future alive while going through school when the pressures of daily life start to impact them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Yvonne, This is the model I follow for student presentations and it has been very successful for me and my students. There is an old saying "To teach is to learn twice." and I believe it. Not only do the students learn the information as students but as they prepare for their presentations they get to learn the material at a more in-depth level. This increases their retention of the content dramatically. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Saudia, This is a good strategy because it gives students the opportunity to apply the material that has been covered in the chapter. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Kathleen, These examples are important to include because they help to make the content come alive for the students. They get to see the relevancy of the material in relation to how it is applied out in the field. This increases the ROI of the course for the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Daphne, Like the way you phrase the statement about taking the mystery out of education. Students should be informed of polices, expectations and requirements from day one via announcements and the syllabus. Not to inform them is unprofessional and creates frustration that doesn't need to exist. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Norma, So true and something we need to remember as instructors. If we don't being passion for our field it won't be there for our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Jen, This is a very important of student retention. If you feel a part of a community and supported by someone in authority such as the instructor you are more likely to complete the course. As a student you see yourself as a part of a bigger effort than just coming to class. So we need to create and sell the idea of being a community of learners. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Nicky, This is a very important first class meeting thing to do. If you can get them settled into the course and feeling comfortable with you the instructor and how the class is going to operate then you will have had a good first class meeting. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Tom, This is the world they are going to be entering so the more experience they have in this world the better. Plus, these types of experiences help them to see the value of the course content being offered. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Robert, From the first class meeting students need to know what the polices, expectations and requirements are for the course. With clear goals and objectives the mystery for course success is gone and the focus on learning can begin. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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