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

Hi Karen, These connections are so important. Many students don't realize that you have extensive experience in your field or you wouldn't be in the position you are in. So by sharing your life experiences you are showing them that you have earned a living by working in the field and that if they put forth the effort you can help them be successful in the field as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Darlene, You are taking the right steps in preparing to be an instructor. Welcome to teaching. I have been an instructor for many years and I truly enjoy being a part of sharing my field with others as well as leaving a legacy of well prepared graduates. Your subject areas are going to require a blend of content and real life experiences just as you have planned. It will be interesting to hear how your first teaching experience goes. I wish you the very best Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

HI Joel, This is so important. This is part of helping students create a vision for themselves about how their career can develop for them. They need help in many cases with making the connection between the classes they are taking and their future. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Hi Kelly, I have developed my own course evaluation sheet. I ask a series of questions directly related to the course, activities and assignments. This way the only way students can respond is by writing a response. My students like this form of evaluation. For the University of use their standard form with the bubbles but I don't really get any value from the evaluations because they are too general to be of help. I just do it because I have to. Another source of evaluation is when my students complete an assignment I will give them a 3X5 card… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Casey, Welcome to the professional world of teaching. I wish you the very best in this new endeavor. Glad to hear of your confidence with the material and support resources that you have to work with. This is a real help as you know because with these materials you have the opportunity to concentrate on your students and how you will be working with them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Hi Robert, I agree with you. I like to move around and make the entire classroom mine, meaning the students know I will be moving among them during lecture and discussion. You are right about how this helps to get the attention of the students. I teach from 4 until 10 pm so my students have put in a workday just like yours so I know I have to work hard to keep them engaged throughout the evening. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Charlene, Pivot Point is a excellent sequence for developing the knowledge and skills of your students. I really like how Pivot Point gives the sequence of steps to reach a successful conclusion. You are using good material so enjoy your teaching experience while covering the material. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Lora, I use my own evaluation form as well. We have the standard one for the college but it is so generic that it is of little value. My form lets me get feedback in the areas that I want so I can get a more accurate picture of what is going on in my course and make improvements, changes or adjustments as needed when I teach the course again. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Hi Lora, Thank you for sharing your experience with this activity. Sounds like everyone benefited from the exercise. You comments will be of value to other new instructors. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Lora, Great to hear about your success as a new instructor. It is obvious you have learned much in your initial teaching effort. With this attitude and your willingness to always strive for improvement you are going to have a great career as an educator. Welcome to the profession. Gary

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