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

Increasing Student Retention

Tripp, Yes, it is. The more we can get the engaged in the course the higher our retention rate is going to be. This is in addition to the increase in student satisfaction and personal growth. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Tripp, I agree and use them frequently in my classes for the reasons you state. They get the students excited and motivated to do well in the course because they help the students to see the value of the content being presented. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Dan, Variety of instructional deliveries and learning activities blended together help all students to learn based upon his/her learning preference. You are helping to provide this type of customized learning as a result of what you learn about the students and why they are enrolled in the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Peter, First I go back and check exactly what I gave them to make sure I did share and explain the expectations. Then I show the students that I did share this information and I review it with them to make sure they see they did in fact have the expectations for the course from the very beginning of the class. Then I ask them to explain to me where their questions are in relation to the expectations and I move forward with the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Ursula, Good strategy and I really like your use of the rubric. I have used rubrics in my evaluations for years and they really help reduce questions and when questions arise they help me and the student to zero in on exactly where points were awarded or lost. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Ursula, Right you are. When the syllabus is shared the instructor needs to review it with the students so they are held accountable for the contents. By doing so you will reduce repetitive questions and student frustration because it is right there in front of them on paper or the screen. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Kevin, Like your attitude and you are right about having to fall back on to humor. When things go blank in the media area and the IT person can't do anything about it then it is time for a smile and story about survival mixed with a lot of humor. A shared laugh goes a long way in helping a class stay focused as you well know. Keep up the good work. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Charlene, Good professional development plan. The key is to have an ongoing plan because as you can see by your coming into teaching at this point the only constant is change. As one person said it is "like trying to take a drink from a fire hose." Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Ursula, So true and a critical part of the total educational process for students. We are to be models of what we expect of them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Jon, So true and so important to get the class off to a good start. The more you can do to reduce student anxiety the greater the level of engagement there is going to be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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