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

Valuing Student Opinions

Freddie, Good strategy to follow as this approach will encourage all students to contribute to class discussions and sharing sessions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Patti, Well described in terms of how first impressions are generated and used. The more that we establish an understanding between and among ourselves the easier it is going to be as the class moves forward. A positive first impression lays the foundation for the earning of respect and the development of rapport. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

LaWandra, Good way to start a new class. I like your use of the words dedication and commitment. These are two very important words that seem to be missing in a lot of our students. They want to use the word entitlement. They are entitled to a grade because they have enrolled in the college and course. This mind set needs to be changed so they can learn self discipline and as a result achieve their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Debra, Right you are about the value of taking the time for introductions and ice breakers. These activities help to start the development of respect for everyone in the class as well shows the students what they can expect from the class in the coming sessions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

John, Like the approach you are taking with your instructional planning and delivery. You are appealing to the different learning preferences of your students and as a result you will have a higher level of student engagement. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

John, Right you are. By helping your students see what your expectations are and how you will help them achieve those expectations sets the tone for the class. From there on it is a building process for the students and their success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

LaWandra, I agree with your statement about how valuable the first impression is with students. They need to see a confident and competent instructor that cares about their success. They need to see how they are going to function in the class and finally they need to see how the course is going to help them move forward in their career development. As a result they will have a good first impression of the class and are ready to become engaged in the learning process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Patti, You have a great model for starting a new class. Your approach is comfortable and supportive as well as informative. All of these components help the students to get settled into their new class and seeing how they are going to fit into the class, with their colleagues and the instructor. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

LaWandra, I agree and we instructors need to look at the classroom or lab through the eyes of our students so we can see how they are perceiving the learning environment. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

John, Good strategies to follow. Each of these experiences will give you insight on how to become a more effective and efficient instructor to and for your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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