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

Developing Analytical Skills

Brent, This is an exciting time for students as it lets them bring together all of the effort they have been expending to get to where they are. They are using their newly acquired knowledge and skills in a real world setting. This is when motivation for them really kicks in, not to mention the critical thinking and problem solving they are doing. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

William, This is a common challenge for instructors. Students generally don't ask question just as you mention. It takes some effort to get them to see the value of asking questions as well as see that they will not be thought less of for asking a question. Once you get them going then some real interaction can occur and it is a great learning day for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Implementing Relevant Course Content

Michael, I have learned that stories from the field help to reinforce what is being taught as well as increase the value of the content to the students. So keep sharing these stories and helping your students see both the application and relevance of what is being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Implementing Relevant Course Content

Judith, Instructors like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery. As you can see from the comments this is how instructors are offering instruction throughout the country. By following these best practices you are going to be in good shape with your own instruction delivery. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Thane, So true and so important. You need to display passion for your field and then enthusiasm for teaching about it. This is a winning combination for engaging students and maximizing learning. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Peter, So true and so important in the development of problem solving skills. A critical thinker needs to be able to sort through the possible options and then come up with viable solutions and to do this requires extensive experience. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Dixie, Thanks for sharing this strategy with us. It is a great way to work students through the scaffolding process and show them the value of acquired and sequential knowledge and skill development. As they start to see their efforts pay off their motivation increases along with their enthusiasm. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Dixie, I agree and this is what has brought me career success along with all of the other people I know. This can be a tough message to get across to students at times. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Dawn, I wish you continued teaching success as you incorporate these additions to your student interactions and support strategies. These methods are what are going to help your students stay engaged for the duration of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Tammy, Good way to bring both relevance and application to your lessons. This way your students see the value of the content and why it is being taught as it is. This is a win win situation for your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

End of Content