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 Kacie, Right you are. This is what makes teaching fun plus we get to be creative every time we step in front of a class. Gary
Hi Cliff, Well said. I like your last sentence. This puts it into perspective for all of us. We all have to see the opportunity for success or we are not going to keep our focus and strive for opportunities for enhancement in our career development. Gary
Hi Kacie, I really like hearing from instructors like you. I can tell how much you love teaching and sharing your career content with your students. Keep up your great attitude and your students will continue to benefit from your leadership and management. Gary
Hi Lakiesha, Good points about how to influence your students and help them to see their future. If they don't see a future for themselves they aren't going to stay motivated during their college career. Gary
Hi Michael, This is a very important point that all instructors need to remember. The more we know about our students the easier it is for us to understand the factors that are influencing their actions and learning efforts. You are right about knowing where they are on the Maslowe scale this helps with the provision of support in a timely manner. Gary
Hi Chadd, Your method has them working through a sequence and rotation that keeps them increasing their application of their newly acquired knowledge. Good way to keep variety in your teaching and engagement with your students. Gary
Hi Cliff, Well said. This is what being a good educator is all about. Thanks for sharing with us. Gary
Hi Colleen, This is a critical skill that instructors need to develop. The ability to encourage and support students in their contributions to class even when they may be off course or incorrect in their answers. This method encourages them so they will keep coming back and contributing in the future. Gary
Discussion Comment
Hi Colleen, Good point about listening to the feedback that is given. Something that I do that really helps me throughout the course is to have the students comment on a project or activity that we have just completed. I give each student a 3X5 card and have them jot down their reactions to the project or activity. I get feedback that helps me to "read" the current class and make needed adjustments. Gary
Hi Colleen, What a great testimony to your professionalism as an educator. The human factor is critical in being a complete instructor as evidenced by the example the student shared with you. The other instructor had the technical skills but lacked the empathy factor. Gary

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