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

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Marjorie, I wish you continued teaching success. You are targeting in on the key elements of learning for your students and how they can be successfully engaged in the course content. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Helen, It is important to have a professional development plan for yourself. You have listed some very good ideas for expanding your instructional delivery expertise. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

Paul, Good point and one I can appreciate. I to have a farm background so I was able to bring to the classroom and my technical training a skill set that helped me to be successful while in school. I have had to step back and realize just what you have said in terms of the students not having the basic tool skills from which to operate. So I have to help them acquire those skills so we can move onto the upper level skill sets we are striving to obtain. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Darcie, I use ice breakers as well for the reason you stated. They are fun we share a laugh and get settled into the class. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Kelli, This is a good strategy to follow. This way you are reaching out with different learning deliveries and appealing to the different learning preferences that are represented. This increases student engagement and helps to engage them in the learning process. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Kelli, The more interaction you can get with your students the better. Your approach enables the students to learn about each other and see how they can be a part of the learning process. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Jeff, This is a good way to start the course off with everyone getting settled in and comfortable. This forms the foundation for developing and earning respect by both the students and instructor. From there it is a building process for the rest of the course. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Angela, Knowing they have a supportive and caring instructor is important for students. In return, just as you have said they have to put forth the required effort if they are going to be successful. In the end it really is up to them to create a future for themselves through their courses and career development. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Angela, Sounds like you are developing into an interesting, supportive and engaging instructor. This is what instruction should be about. Keep your enthusiasm and excitement and you will continue to grow in your skills as the learning leader. Have fun with your teaching and I know you are going to have a rewarding career as an instructor. Glad to hear that we have been able to share success teaching strategies with you through this course. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

James, Seems like I have one of these students each course phase as well. The challenge is to find something that will expand such a student's knowledge base, keep him/her busy but not in a just make work type of format. I use these students to help with certain lab activities as well and they like being a part of the instructional process. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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