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

Effective Motivation Techniques

Karen, I use small learning groups for the reasons you list. My students really like working in these groups and you are right about how they help to get shy students involved at a greater level. As for the A stickers I have found that adults are just taller children. My students will work extremely hard to earn a piece of candy or a smiley face sticker and they range from 18 to 65. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Mark, What are some strategies you use to refocus your students when you see them drifting off? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Kanidrus, Right you about. If they see the value of the course and are excited about coming to it they are going to be engaged. When they are engaged learning is occurring and everyone is benefiting. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Jackie, Change of pace and instructional variety are two elements of successful teaching. You are "reading" your students and making adjustments as needed to keep them engaged. Good strategy on your part and very beneficial to your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Jackie, I am a big fan of rubrics. I commend you for using them. They help the students to see exactly how and where points are going to be earned or lost. They save me a lot of time because I am able to zero in on a specific area of a student's project or assignment since the points are earned in categories. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Jerry, I think this is a good way to manage a class. You are the learning leader and you need to make sure your students understand how the course is going to operate but also share with them some humor and laughs. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Jerry, You are being a role model for your students through your approach. You are demonstrating your instructional abilities as well as your human side. This is a nice blend that encourages student engagement. Keep up the good work. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Jackie, I have this problem as well in my classes. You are right about the supplemental materials. I give handouts that support the standard syllabus that contain specific content in relation to polices, requirements and assignments for my courses. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Phuong, This role is critical for students to see. You are setting the standard for the profession and your responsibility as the learning leader. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Phuong, Right you are. This is how we can be supportive to our students as they strive to learn our content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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