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

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Brandon, You raise a very interesting question. Generally individuals over the years have acquired the skills needed to react and respond to different settings. In the case of students though many of them have not had the life experiences needed to respond to different settings like those you describe. They need to hear and learn about how to retain their professionalism and provide the needed services for their employment. I would bring in individuals from the field and have them talk to the students about boundaries, behavior and real world realities. This way they can get the message while you… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Deborah, Great to hear about the strategies you are following. I am excited for you and your students as you expand your expertise in the area of effective instruction. I wish continued success as an educator. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Dave, This is one of the main factors in engaging students because you have earned your living in the field that you are teaching about. You are bringing real life experiences to the classroom and combining that with the needed knowledge to help the students move closer to their career goals. This is what should make the course valuable to the. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Shannon, This is a little extra reward they can earn for effort and helps with the motivation factor. It makes them feel good and work a bit harder to earn the points and feel good about themselves. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Benjamin, Good planning helps with teaching confidence and does free up the instructor to interact with the students prior to the class starting. As for the question about over planning in my opinion there is not a clear cut answer. You need to plan and organize to the point you feel confident you can deliver the content in a way that engages the students and meets the goals of the course. For some instructors this time is minimum and for others it can be extensive due to the differences in how instructors approach the planning process. Planning should start with… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Stephen, Good way to get yourself ready to be an effective and efficient instructor. The more observations you can make the better because you will be able to see different instructional styles and create your own using these examples and your own personality. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Benjamin, The way to do this is to be prepared, organized and demonstrate that you care about them as individuals. This way you will earn their respect and when they respect you you will not be seen as arrogant but as a part of their career development due to your leadership and knowledge. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Amber, This is so important to engaging students and getting them to contribute to the class. Knowing they are valued for their input goes a long way in helping them to see that they have something to offer to the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Robert, So true. Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it generates student interest and excitement. We need to bring both each time we interact with students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Robert, This is such a great service you are doing for your adult learners. They need this type of information so they can see that they can be successful in the course if they are willing to put forth the effort. Many of them as you know are very worried about the fact they have been out of school for a period of time and that they won't be able to compete with the younger students. Your approach helps them to see that they are going to do well in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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