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.

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Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

James, I two two sections of a gen ed course so I can appreciate your comments a lot. I have to work hard to help them see the value of the content I am sharing as well as the ROI for them as a result of taking the course. I have to be very creative and enthusiastic to "sell" them on the idea of learning the content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Richard, Humor and videos can go a long ways in getting concepts across to students when you are limited in equipment and/or labs. I commend you for your willingness to reach out and secure resources that are available to you while getting your students focused on what they need to learn. Well done! Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

James, Good point and one we need to remember as instructors. When we do reflect on their learning preferences it is an opportunity to customize our instruction to meet their learning needs. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

James, I agree. As a long time teacher I am always learning new and better ways to teach. These new strategies help to keep me engaged in the learning process and that in turn translates into more enthusiasm on my part as I deliver content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Richard, I would try using objects that relate to their career fields as you move through them through the math concepts. If they are in the medical field use medical examples and manipulative objects. If construction use construction. The big difference between children and adults is that adults are taller. This means that you can use objects and involve them in a tactile way by using items that are seen as being age appropriate but still get the key math concepts across. I use a lot of games and rewards in my classes and my adult students really respond to… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Jan, I agree about the value of intrinsic motivation. Most instructors use extrinsic motivation to get the students started and then they need to personalize their learning and decide for themselves that they will put forth the effort needed to be successful in the class because they realize their future is at stake. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Vaughn, In one sense it was good you had those unenthusiastic professors because they gave you a model not to follow. It was painful when you were in their classes and I am sure time dragged each and every class session. By having enthusiastic professors you know how to model your own instructional delivery. We as instructors need to bring to the class each and every time it meets passion for our content and enthusiasm for sharing it. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Scott, I agree with you about the value associated with learning the names of students quickly. This shows the students that you care about them as individuals and are there to help them be successful if they are willing to put forth the effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Rana, Good strategies for engaging students in class participation. This way everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge shared in the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Rana, This is a good strategy to follow as it will keep students engaged throughout each class session. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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