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.

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Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Joseph, This is a procedure that many instructors do not do. By conducting such analysis you have the baseline from which you can develop your content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Joseph, Observing and listening are two very valuable learning tools. Both instructors and students can benefit from doing both. Good point. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivation techniques...

Hi Anthony, Good point about hands on learning. By involving the tactile as well as the cognitive students have a higher level of content retention. They also see the relevancy and application of the material through this method. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Hi Mark, Good point. I to teach in a multi-level system and sometimes just getting a classroom that is appropriate is difficult. Due to a central office mistake,this phase I am teaching in the break room, where students and faculty come to warm up their food in the microwave. I only have a overhead projector as my media. I haven't used one of these for years. I can assure you that it will not happen again because my students have paid a lot of money to receive an education and they should have the very best. A side note is… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Karen, Well said. You have teaching experience in an area that was based upon personal interest and presenter delivery. This gives you a great foundation from which to launch your formal teaching career. You are right about the distractions so the min-lectures are a must. The thing with mini-lectures is that you don't to disrupt you flow of delivery by taking a pause after 15-20 minutes. You only have to provide some variety such as a quick discussion, Q&A, small group, etc. Anything to let their brains relax a bit then get back at it. You are going to… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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REFOCUS...

Hi Jodi, This is a win win situation for everyone, plus it helps keep the interest level high. I am always excited about trying something new so I can see how it will turn out for my students. This excitement spreads to the students as well. Good points. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Michael, Well said. The positive first impression sets the tone for the entire class phase. The students know you are prepared and ready to instruct them if you are on time, organized and ready to teach. If you aren't then you have a deep hole to dig out of. Many instructors have problems in understanding this concept and thus are challenged the entire course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Gregory, Good strategy for getting to know your students better but also knowing how you can be more effective in working with them. This will enable you to enjoy being an instructor even more and will increase the learning levels of your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Jodi, The use of small talk to get the students settled in really helps with the development of rapport. The students get to know each other and you a little better and it helps you keep up with what is happening to them outside of class. Sometimes you can find out that you have a student in need of support and encouragement as a result of these sessions. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Gregory, Both students and instructors can't have too many "aha" moments. When they occur everyone benefits because movement has been made toward the achieving of career goals and a future success. Gary

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