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

Effective Motivation Techniques

Mark, I agree. I use the same strategy. I always go into class with a few of these items ready to go should I need them if the class starts to drift away from me. They are my always ready Plan B. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Mark, Good point and one I strive to remind myself of each time I enter the classroom to teach a course that I have taught many times before. I also introduce a new activity each time I teach the course to keep my interest high for teaching it. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Rhonda, You do work in a tough situation and I commend you for being able to cope with these student "bullies". I wish you success in developing rapport with such students and if not rapport at least respect from them in that you are a professional with experience that can help them move toward their career goals. If they don't realize that and still disrespect you then they should be removed from the program because with attitudes like that they are not going to be successful in the work world. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Katessa, Right you are about the value of the human factor component in teaching. Caring and supportive instructors are the foundation of student retention. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Mark, I agree and the human factor is an essential component for successful teaching. The students need to know they have a person of experience and ability that cares about their success as an instructor. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Katessa, This is a great way to start a class off because of all the information you get from your students. In addition, you can plan your instructional delivery around the reasons the students are enrolled in the class. Thanks for sharing this approach with us. I know these comments will be of help to other instructors. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Ruby, So true and so important. They need to see they are moving toward their career goals as a result of what they are learning in their class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Sandra, Good point about student accountability and responsibility. Also, if you give them study strategies they will be mentally and physically involved in the learning process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Patrick, Good point about the value of establishing the creditability of the instructor. The students need to know that they have a person of competence and experience offering instruction to them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Christopher, Thanks for the comments about understanding the difference between the two items. You are correct about the differences and the contributions each make to effective instructional effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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