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

Shamika, I use learning groups, case studies, role playing and games. Students will really get involved when they are working on "real life" situations and when competition is added they really get fired up. I use Jeopardy and Family Feud as the formats for the games we play for review in my classes. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Wendy, This is the worst way to start a teaching career. Nobody knew the expectations, outcomes or requirements. Sounds like you were able to take control of the class and sort out the various issues and create a sense organization for the students. I commend you for this effort and I know your students do. Keep in mind that teaching does become easier and when you start your own class for the first time you will see how you can lay out a plan of learning that will keep your students engaged and everyone forward focused. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Sandra, The first impression is the foundation of what is going to come in the class sessions ahead. So by starting with a positive one we can build rapport with our students and this enhances retention. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Tamikah, When students have a caring and passionate instructor that helps to "sell" the content. With support from that instructor motivation becomes a part of what that students believes and achieves. You are providing all of the above with your approach. Keep up the good work. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Tamikah, I use case studies that I develop from current events. My students really like using their newly acquired knowledge to solve these studies and that greatly increases their engagement so I am a big fan of the strategy you are using. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Rodney, Excitement and passion are two essential ingredients for successful teaching if you are going to keep the students engaged. If you don't care about your field and the class it is for sure the students won't. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Sarah, Good point and something all instructors need to remember. It is almost impossible to get the students engaged in the learning process if they see an instructor that does not model the standards of the field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Marcia, This is such a great learning tool for the students. Thank you for sharing how it is used in your field. I know your students are taking away a strategy that they will be using for the rest of their career. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Earle, You are connecting the dots between the course content and the real world for your students when you relate how what they are learning will be used in the future. This increases the ROI for the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Bob, Learners like change of pace and variety. You are offering such to your students with this strategy. This will keep them engaged and focused on the course throughout each session. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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