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

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Beth, By example and behavior. Always demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and the ethics will come through. Also, you can teach them by highlighting examples of them when discussing a case study, doing a demonstration or have a group discussion. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Alan, Sorry for the feeling of disconnect. Yes, the professionalism discussion on dress was intended for the on ground instructors, so for the online instructors there needs to be other ways of showing students a high level of professionalism. Your example of your trip to Spain is exactly what the students need to experience in the course. Even though the some of the materials didn't upload properly the students were greatly impressed with the effort. This is what professionalism is all about. You are living and demonstrating it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Terry, Good point. You are right about the power thing. By being confident in your knowledge that you know how to tailor instruction to meet different student needs you are going to be a much better instructor since you know that you know what you are doing. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Michele, Great to hear. Online learning has changed so much in the past few years. It is good to hear about how instructors like yourself have been able to find and use the tools that enable you to make the online learning process effective and efficient. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi David, How do you go about setting up your learning groups to provide help to students that are learning challenged. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi William, Great example of what can happen with a class of students. Your formula is a good one in terms of being challenging for an instructor. The "Lessons learned = don't assume anything" statement say it all. We have to be flexible and quick to make adjustments if we are going to be successful with our students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi David, Good way to introduce the human factor into the classroom. With your methods you are helping the students to develop their persona as a new professional in the field. They can start to see how they are going to fit into their new career as a result of how they are treated in the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Ari, Good strategies for keeping students engaged and focused on the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Robb, Right you are. Rapport does so much to help the students relate to the instructor and see the end results of their study efforts. They get a vision of what their future can be as a result having a relationship with a professional educator and role model. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Erie, I like to be around people that have passion for their work and want to share that passion with others. Keep your passion level high and your students will benefit from your excitement level. This is what being a teacher is all about. Gary

End of Content