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

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Carrie, Teaching in the format that you do is a challenge and you are meeting that challenge through your use of a well planned and clear syllabus. Thanks for sharing your experience in using a syllabus that really helps to make the course requirements clear for students. This information and your experience will be of benefit to many other instructors. Thanks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Stephen, I agree. I like to use this method as well because it helps to get the students settled into the course and interacting with their peers. This leads to reduced frustration and a higher level of comfort by the students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Donte, Letting the students know you are excited about learning new things while teaching the class is a way of encouraging them to expand their learning as well. This helps to create a community of learners in the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Hi Margaret, Yes, we are. You make a good point because we wear many hats during a teaching day. This is what makes teaching so much fun yet wears us out at the end of the day or night depending on when we teach. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Bruce, Welcome to the teaching profession. Sounds like you are off to a good start already. The use of guest speakers is always a way to generate interest and get the students motivated. Your speaker has proven that he/she is successful as a result of owning two restaurants so the stories that were told serve to motivate and encourage the students. I use guest speakers a lot because they reinforce what I am telling my students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Kristen, A friend can be defined in a professional setting as a "kindred soul" type person. One that is supportive, encouraging, demanding and caring. That professional friend is not a social pal to go out with. Be friendly with your students. Smile at them, laugh with them, share with them but keep the relationship professional and contained within the college setting. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Jane, You reflect the saying "to teach is to learn twice". I think about this quote often as I prepare for class because it really is true. This is part of the reason I love being a teacher. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Tim, I like the way you create a connection in the minds of your students as they conclude a weeks worth of instruction. This helps them to see application and relevancy to what they have been learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Scott, This is a very good point all of instructors need to remember. We all were there once just as our students are now. So we need to try and see things through their eyes as we plan and share our content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Linsey, Great way to get feedback from your students. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us. Gary

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