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

Instructor REFOCUS

Hi David, Good point plus it is fun, or at least I think so to come up with a different activity or project to deliver a portion of the course content. This gets me refocused because I'm not sure how the new effort will come out so there is a bit of a mystery there and that helps me to more excited while teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Richard, Students like variety in instructional delivery. By recognizing this you are meeting a host of learning needs through the variety you are offering. This is a good strategy to follow and will keep your students engaged in the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Ledio, I like to do this type of baseline assessment as well when starting a new class. The results give me a picture of the students I have and the knowledge base they are bringing to the classroom. Really helps with my planning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Clare, Good point about the need for them to develop the skills needed to work with others. Career success is based upon the ability to work with diverse groups and accomplish goals. If they have these skills they are going to enjoy career growth. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Hi David, Rapport is so important to learning and teaching success. I like your statement that "respect grows from both sides of the desk." We have to remember that as we work with our students because if we do and earn the respect of our students then the class is going to be most enjoyable for everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Jacqueline, Good point and great advice for instructors. We need to always remember this when we go into the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Hi Dana, What are some successful planning strategies that you have used with in your courses? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Isabel, I like both of these approaches as well. They really get the students involved and lets them use their newly acquired knowledge to solve problems and generate discussion. It helps them to work with other as well and this is going to be a very important and needed skill when they enter the work force. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Deb, The use of ongoing feedback is how instructional improvement occurs. We need to listen to what our students are saying to us either in written form or verbally, but the key is that we are always listening. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi James, I agree with you as well. Real world experiences shared in the classroom help the students to "connect the dots" between what they are studying and their futures. Gary

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