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

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Michele, Thanks for sharing this ice breaker activity for starting a class. I am sure your students really enjoy doing it and getting to know other students. I know other instructors will appreciate you sharing it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Melody, By seeing the work done by previous students the current students can start to see themselves in the industry. Also, as you say it shows them what they are going to learn and be able to do if they apply themselves and work hard. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Jacky, This is such an important point. You did not get your knowledge and skills overnight and neither will they, but with hard work and effort they can acquire the knowledge and skills needed to be successful. Education is not an entitlement but something that is gained after much effort. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Jacky, Your students are fortunate to have an excited and motivated instructor like you. They know you care about your field and their success. The history and culture of cuisine is so rich that you can't help but be excited about it. Continue to have fun teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Misty, This cannot be said enough. Instructors that do not do this are asking for problems throughout the course. Clear expectations, requirements and polices reduce student frustration and constant challenges to learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Vicki, Good to hear about the module information and thank you for the 3 F's. A fair, fun and firm instructor is what the students should expect and get when they sign up for a course. By using the 3 F's class management and knowledge acquisition will be enhanced. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Dennis, This is very important because this is the only time they are going to have access to your expertise and the safety net you represent in reviewing their work and course progress. They need to take advantage of this so they are better prepared when they move out into the work world. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Larry, I can understand where you are coming from with your disagreement on the statement about "it being fine in high school". Maybe a better way of stating it would be it is tolerated in high school. With all the issues that surround secondary education today, such as AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) testing through the No Child Left Behind and the no competition in high school between students movement the students are not as experienced in coping with real life as they might be. This does make our job on the post-secondary level harder. We have to help them… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Robert, I commend you for your efforts in softening your autocratic style of delivery. That method worked for you in the military and now that you are no longer in that setting you are focusing on how to deliver content effectively in your current classroom. This is a truly the sign of a dedicated professional that wants his students to succeed. Keep up the learning methods on how you can best meet the needs of your students and I know but they and you will be successful. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Samuel, The human factor will always be a critical element in career success. Good point about how you integrate it into your instruction. Gary

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