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.

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Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Kelli, This is good to hear because professional development is so important for we instructors. It sounds like from your comments that you have a variety of sources from which you can get new information and strategies for expanding your instructional expertise. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Michaelle, Good point. The students could start to see the interplay of different tastes, textures, flavors and colors by having the food along with the wine. This strategy is helping them to see the big picture of where they are going with their new knowledge and skills. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Douglas, I follow the same schedule. I then feel great as you do. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Laura, Good question concerning getting student feedback. As you probably already know most schools use a formal end of the course evaluation form and student input. I have found these to be of little help since they are at the end of the course, the students are focused on completing their projects, passing the final, etc. so they don't give comprehensive feedback. They do make some good suggestions along the way but not a global evaluation. To get more accurate feedback I give my students 3x5 cards to write short feedback responses after certain activities. They are anonymous so… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi John, This is one of the great things about being an instructor--we get to work with all kinds of students. We are challenged to try and find the kind of support students need and then provide instructional delivery methods that fit within their learning preferences. So when we have motivated students come along we get to enjoy their motivation as we help them achieve their learning goals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Aimee, Great way to express your mission as an instructor. You have a very comprehensive approach to supporting your students and the development of their self confidence. This is so critical in retaining students throughout the training sequence. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Amanda, You are on the right track with your approach to teaching. "Common sense" is the key ingredient for being a successful teacher. I wish you much success with your teaching and I know you are going to enjoy working with your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Caroline, This is what being a model, manager and motivator is all about. You have a great approach to demonstrating these three Ms to your students. This will help to make the class flow much smoother throughout the course phase in addition to establishing rapport and respect with the students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Hi Judy, Good points about helping students to develop as leaders and contributors. I like the way you have those students that are a bit more shy slowly work their way into the leadership position while developing self confidence. This will really help them when they have their own kitchen to manage. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Arlene, Well said. Your last sentence is so true and we educators need to always remember it. As leaders in classroom, boardrooms or kitchens we need to be leaders that can instruct so we help others to achieve their career goals. Gary

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