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 a Positive First Impression

Hi Allana, Good point. An instructor needs to serve in the mentor role at times in a course. Adult learners look to instructors to serve in the mentor role as they start to develop their career area and have questions what they will face once they are out of school. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Martha, I understand about students sometimes complaining about high standards in a course. What they miss is that those standards have been set by the field and employers. You are preparing them for success by enforcing those standards so when they complete their training they will be able to meet them and will able to be competitive in the work place. You have to remind them of that once in a while. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Seth, Good way to start a new class. This gives you an overview of the composition of the class so you can plan for how you are going to deliver the content. Knowing their career goals really helps you with developing respect and rapport with them as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Katrina, Good point. Much of instruction is based upon listening. Students will "tell" you a lot whether it is verbal or not if they see you as a person that is supportive of their efforts. This also helps to create rapport with the students and that is an essential part of being a good instructor. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Leila, It is always good to watch others work. It is amazing how much you can pick up from them and they in turn from you. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Sofia, You are using a number of techniques that enable the students and you to exchange information and feedback. These are effective methods to use and as you say the students feel that they are part of the planning and learning process when it comes to course delivery. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Herb, I am a big fan of shadowing for the reasons you listed. Either way the students have learned something. One, this is the field for them or this is not the field for them. Growth and knowledge has occurred and they are progressing in their career development. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi George, Yes, instructors need to be good communicators. They need to look for ways they can keep students engaged in the learning process while getting the content across. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

H Lyn, You are right on with your comments about taking time for yourself and your interests. Teaching can drain your emotional base if you don't take some time for yourself. Hobbies and personal growth are ways to help that. A strong family base where you can enjoy those that you love and love you will really help you to face the challenges of teaching. Then when you step into the classroom yo will be focused and ready to go because your emotional bucket is full and you are ready to share your expertise. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Bruce, Good job of creating rapport with your students even though they are online. By them feeling like you know them and a bit about them they will be more involved in the course and willing to participate in the discussions. Gary

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