Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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

Hi Perry, Good points and so critical to the total career development of your students. By modeling dress and language you are helping to set them up for success and growth in their field. Gary
Hi Junior Great idea! Thanks for sharing it with us. This is a fun and informative activity that enables you to interact with the students while enjoying a laugh or two concerning the contents of products they are using. Gary
Hi Angela, Good to hear. Looking forward to hearing how it works for you. Gary
Hi Debra, You are making progress as indicated by your comments about how things are coming together better for you this week. Plan mini-lectures and group activities with discussion sessions when possible and you will do fine as you define and refine your instructional style. Have fun with your teaching and enjoy your interaction with the students this will help you to see how you are developing as an instructor. Gary
Hi Mark, This is a good point that every instructor needs to remember. It is easy just to "ramble" on about "our" experiences rather than make the critical connections needed to the topic for that day's class. Each time we get ready to share such a story we need to reflect on how application can be made. Gary
Hi Melody, You are right on with your comments about adult learners. We do need to be empathetic and understanding of their situations while offering them learning strategies that will enable them to be successful in this new life adventure. Gary
Hi Tracesea, Thanks for sharing these strategies with us. Instructors need to expand their instructional delivery options so they can respond to different class dynamics. The more examples we have the more choices we can make to better meet the learning needs of our students. Gary
Hi Kamarah, Well said. We have to reflect the standards of our profession. If we don't we are not being professional nor are we being fair to our students. They need to see a model of their field in their instructor. This involves all of the components you mentioned in your comments. These are so important to the total educational process. Gary
Hi Susan, Our school has many of the same issues with students as do you. We have to work hard at helping them to develop the needed "soft skills" that will enable them to be successful in their careers. They should have these skills coming into the program but many don't so we make soft skill development a part of the curriculum. Gary
Hi Donna, Your approach to the classroom is a good one. You are bringing to the class a balance that shows the students that you are a caring professional that is well prepared and ready to teach them. You are also serving as model of your field which gives the students something to work for. Gary

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