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

Motivating Learners

Kat, I use rubrics in all of assignments for the reason you mention. It is key that students see where they have had success and where they need to strive for improvement. A rubric is an easy way to zero in on the different aspects of an assignment as well quiz to help students to see challenge areas. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Juan, Good way to explain how an educator should serve as a role model. You hit on a key point about being approachable. Instructors need to make sure the students see them as role models that they can interact with and learn from not only in relation to the course content but also a role models of their carer field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Jennifer, Good way to support their input and to encourage them to be a part of the discussion process. This method helps them to build their self confidence in relation to success in the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Angela, This approach is so important because knowing that their learning leader cares about them as individuals and is there to support them goes a long way in keeping them in school. This is what the human factor is all about in teaching. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Jennifer, Right you are and this is why we need to offer variety in our instructional delivery. This way we can appeal to the different learning preferences and keep the focus of our students for the duration of our classes. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Paula, Like the way you stated how critical thinking skills are generated. The seed of encouragement goes a long way in helping students to grow, reflect and become problem solvers. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

James, You make a very good point about mood and how it impacts the learning environment in both directions. If there is something going on in the school that has the students in a negative mood it is tough to get them to lighten up when in your class. We need to try and get them engaged but it can be an effort. One thing that should be a constant is that the students know you are going to be upbeat and enthusiastic about your class. So even though they may not be in an upbeat mood they know you… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Terri, Good advice for instructors to remember as they work with their students. I teach from 4 until 10 pm. We go from 4 until 7 and then take a dinner break and then come back to class. Tough time of day because they are tired and hungry from 4 until 7 and then tired and full for the rest of the class. Takes a lot of activity and effort to keep them engaged so they don't fall asleep. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Colleen, These two methods are great for bringing to life the value of the course that is being offered in relation to the career development of students. The students get to hear from someone how the course content helped them to move toward their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Gregory, So true. That light must reflect the passion an instructor has for his or her field and the enthusiasm they have for teaching about it. It is obvious that you have that inner light because of the wonderful compliment you received from your student. This is what teaching is all about. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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