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

Making Instruction Relevant

Kelly, Thank you for the reference to the 7X7 model. Repetition and application are two very important aspects of content retention. By the time they have approached the topic seven different ways or gone through it 7 times they will have it stored in their working memories. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Kelly, Thank you for these good comments about how to reach students. The key in my opinion is reflection as you mention. By reflecting on the successes as well as the challenges we can continue our own professional development and get better in our instructional efforts each time we teach a class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Bonnie, You are right it is a challenge to be able to identify and then target each the learning needs and preferences of each student. By offering variety in instructional delivery and applications you will be providing learning experiences that benefit each of the students' preference areas. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Janet, Checking for understanding is a good way to keep a continue "read" of how your students are connecting with your content. Keep using this strategy as it it is yielding good results for you. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Tracy, You have a very balanced and comprehensive approach to your instructional planning. You are appealing to all of the learning preferences of your students with this approach and this will result in higher retention of student. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Janet, So true. It is for sure that if you are not excited about your content and do not have a passion for teaching the students are not going to be engaged nor enthusiastic. We must be the learning leaders each and every time the class meets. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Tracy, Good points about the value associated with a well prepared syllabus. Yes, it does act like a contract between the teacher and student. It contains the elements of information needed for success by the students as well as reduces many questions about how the course is going to operate. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Joseph, Good way to approach teaching complex information. As you mention once they see the smaller segments or units of the content the better they will be able to visualize the big picture or outcomes needed for success in relation to procedures used in the field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Jack, How do you generate enthusiasm for your content and with your students? Thanks for your input on this. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Ward, This is an important role for the instructor to play because of the career experiences that the individual is bringing to the class. The students see relevancy in what is being done through this method. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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