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

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Jan, You are hitting all of the engagement buttons with this type of class opening. You are setting the stage for an exciting and focused class to come. This helps the students to see the value associated with being a part of the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Dr. Antonia, Right you are about the value of a positive first impression. An impression is going to be made at the first class meeting so why not make it a positive one instead of having to dig out of a negative hole for the rest of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

James, Well said in relation to the value of a well prepared and comprehensive syllabus. A good syllabus save valuable time and reduces many redundant questions because the information about policies, requirements and due dates is included for the students to see. They just need to read and follow the information given. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Karen, I agree and really appreciate your comments because they are right on target in relation to establishing a learning environment that is motivating and engaging. We need to see our classrooms and labs through the eyes of our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Renee, It does me as well when I think that 16 million individuals wake up somewhere in the world without a school to go to and this is for ages 5 through adulthood. Then I have to work with students that have an attitude of entitlement rather than opportunity. I work a lot in developing countries establishing schools and I have no patience for someone that does not appreciate what we have in this country. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Richard, I agree with how an instructor should prep for a class. By having everything ready to go and confidence in what is going to be shared the instructor is ready to communicate with the students as well as build rapport with them as the course unfolds. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Jeffrey, Good point about how to help a new instructor get settled into the teaching routine. It is important that he/she get off to a good start because that really helps in building confidence and competence and that results in effective teaching. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Karen, Great overview of what the climate should be in the classroom. Yes, learning is hard work but it is also a lot of fun and sharing with others as growth occurs both in knowledge and skills is a powerful motivator. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Sheryl, Your question at the end of your comments says it all. Don't know why they do what they do because these types of actions, as we know only result in problems with managing the students and the learning environment. We have to be professional models for our students in all that we do. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Ruth, Great advice for how to get students into the problem solving and critical thinking mode of cognitive processing. If they can get these processes down then they will be able to tackle any task. They may not be able to solve the task but they know how to work through the steps and secure the help they need and seek an appropriate solution. This is what will make them valuable in their field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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