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

The Learning Environment Effect

Heather, It is important to engage all students in discussions and activities. Your approach is a good way to do this. Working in small groups enables even the most shy students to contribute. In addition all students learn how to work with different personalities in different settings. This is going to be valuable when they are out in the workplace. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Rick, Two good ways to increase student motivation. Are there other methods that you use that you can share with us? Thanks for you input on this. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Brian, Thank you for this well developed set of comments on defining your professionalism. This is what our students need to be exposed to as they prepare to enter their chosen career field. They need to see a role model that they can emulate and learn from so they will know how to conduct themselves once they are out in the workplace. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Steven, Good way to help them take ownership for their educational growth. You are serving as a learning leader that guides and they provide the exchanges needed for personal growth. Good model to follow. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Melanie, Students like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery. So the more of both you can offer the more engaged they will be. Videos can reinforce what has just been covered and prepare the students for the next topic that will be discussed. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Melanie, This is a part of almost every career so our students need to be able to work with others toward mutual goals as they relate to the workplace. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Heather, Thank you for making this point. It is a two way street between students and faculty. We need to show respect for our students by starting and stopping on time and being prepared just as we expect them to be on time and prepared as well. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Heather, Right you are about the need to stay current in your field. If you are not current you are not offering the best to students as they are receiving content that may or may not be relevant. There is foundational knowledge in every field but it must be built on with current content if the students are going to be competitive when they graduate. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Thomas, Your last sentence really captures what instruction should be about. By giving them examples and helping them to make applications you are increasing the value of the course for and to the students. This is the reason for them staying engaged for the duration of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

William, Neither do I. Well said in terms of the preparation and approach we need to make as we share content with our students. If we are to be learning leaders we need to reflect our dedication and preparation to our content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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