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 Your Expectations Clear

Dexter, You have to for the understanding of everyone. This reduces confusion and frustration by students and they can focus on meeting the requirements of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Melissa, I want to reinforce your point about students forgetting certain items in relation to the course. Students have very short memories or at least it seems like they do selective retention, meaning forgetting due dates and test times. The syllabus gives them this information and you can refer them to it rather than answering the same question over and over again. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

David, I agree. Setting the standard for the class up front reduces the element of surprise for students. This way they can mentally prepare themselves for what it is going to take for them to be successful in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Dr. Manuel, A good point that needs to be reinforced with students as well. They need to remember this statement when they go out to interview for their first position. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Brandon, You will do fine as a new instructor because you are concerned about things that matter, such as the first impression. By have a relaxed introduction session followed by a fun ice breaker you will be able to get a read on your students. Also, during these activities you will be able to settle in yourself and get control of your nerves. Then you will be ready to start setting the stage for the course to come with confidence. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Scott, I like your introductory remarks. I am sure you got their attention with it. You are right about how making a positive first impression should be common sense but I am amazed at how many instructors show up unprepared, dressed poorly and late to class. Then they wonder why the students don't respect them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Maria, A relaxed introduction session along with a fun ice breaker is good way to get a class started. This way everyone feels a part of the class and is ready for the learning to begin. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Sandra, You have a good strategy for getting your students settled into your class and feeling comfortable with how the class is going to be conducted. Learning student names is important and you have set a good goal for getting this done. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Lucinda, As a result of having a well prepared syllabus confusion and frustration is reduced for students. They have a reference to follow as they work through the course so they know the expectations and outcomes of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Sandra, I agree that the syllabus is as important to the students as it is to the students. As you mention a well prepared syllabus keeps everyone on the same page throughout the duration of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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