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

The Human Factor in Retention

Crystal, It all comes down to respect and rapport. You are right on with your comments. To be valued is to be respected and to be respected is be seen as a human being in search of success. This is what learning should be about. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Susan, Your last sentence captures the value from offering varied instructional delivery to students. By doing so you will engage students at some point along the learning pathway and enable them to be successful and excited about what they are learning. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Guy, Good point and one we need to remember. It is easy to overlook a student that needs some encouragement or is dropping behind. By knowing more about them and how they function in class you can provide support as and when needed. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Michaelle, Thank you for these comments about how to approach the classroom to facilitate enhanced learning. All of the items/strategies you mention contribute to engaged students and focused learning. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Rex, Simple forthright way to check for understanding. This way your students and you know what they know and what they don't know and then you can build from there. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Michaelle, I agree. We need to bring our A game to each and every class we teach this includes the first class for sure. The first class meeting sets the stage for how the course is going to operate and how we (instructor and students) see each other in relation to the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Rex, Since I teach from 4 until 10 pm I can relate to fatigue. Your approach enables you to offer change of pace when and as needed. This is important to keep the students engaged especially since they are coming to class already tired. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Gurkan, This is the approach I use for the reasons you state. I do an ice breaker with my students and the introductions. While doing both we are getting to know each other and figuring out how the course is going to operate. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Harrison, Right you are. A poor learning environment really influences students engagement and focus. Being to cold/hot and in a classroom or lab that does not have supportive technology greatly increases the potential for dropouts. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Richele, You are providing a great training tool to and for your students. As they move through your course they are gaining perspectives about how to problem solve and see the big picture in relation to the content being studied. As a result their transition from the classroom to the work world will be easier and more productive. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

End of Content