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

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Richard, What has been your biggest surprise and outcome from using the critical analysis method? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Matt, Your last point is a good one. With both the instructor and students interested then learning really cranks up. This is what I love about teaching we get to be creative over and over again even when teaching the same course. I strive to do a different activity each time I teach the course and I always look forward to seeing how the activity turns out. I never know if it is going to be successful or not even with all of my planning. The mystery helps me to be excited about the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Seth, Great example of why we need to REFOCUS at times in all parts of our personal and professional lives. If we don't we are going to lose the spark that keeps the excitement in our delivery and dedication to our students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi John, You make a good point and have outlined a good strategy for overcoming the blahs of mid-course. Think about ways you can revisit the assignments to spark interest and have fun with the content. The students know some about the topics from having been through them already, this second time it will be to hammer the content in for maximum retention. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Bonni, You already have a gift to lean on, the ability to remember interesting facts about each student. Tie the interesting fact that you can remember to that student's name. Make the connection between golf and Susan several times and then when you walk up to Susan again you will be thinking golf and Susan as being one. This is how I remember my students' names plus they like it when I can chat with them about their own interests, kids, dogs, etc. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Catherine, I think we had the same teacher educator because I heard the same phrase. It did help once I understood exactly what was being said and my understanding came when I faced my first group of middle school students. Wow, talk about a learning curve from the college classroom to the real world of teaching. I survived but I think it was due to common sense more than anything else. Good point. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Roy, You are right. What you need to do is be perceived as a dedicated competent professional that cares about student success. That goes a long way in winning the students over that first day. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Craig, Key point! That is why the first impression needs to the best it can be. Start with a high and stay there so there are not holes to dig out of. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Hi Richard, Good idea. This way the students know you are serious about the course and what you are going to cover. This should also reduce the number of general questions and increase the more specific questions about the course since they will have had a chance to read the syllabus. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Mark, What a great plan. I like it a lot. It is comprehensive and gives you a very clear picture of the past course. I am sure you are able to chart growth over the period of time you have been an instructor. Keep up the good work. Gary

End of Content