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

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Joseph, Good example of learning learner characteristics. Little things really are big things when it comes to personal recognition such as in learning student names. This really sends the message that the instructor cares about each student. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Anita, Good points. Rapport comes out of respect and respect is earned through planning and preparation. Also, this enable the students to feel that they are being taught by a professional that cares about their success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Jamie, Good point. We need to remain student focused in our instructional efforts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Gregory, This is a great professional development plan designed to keep you fresh. I too like and take the opportunity to teach new courses because then I have to dig into the field and develop new material and activities. This keeps me fresh and the excitement level high. In your case I know your students benefit from your effort to remain cutting edge both in terms of delivery and content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Angela, That is what the legacy of teaching is all about. Passing on what we have learned to the next generation of learners. We do have an impact on them and have to make sure that impact is a positive. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Le Quyen, You make a great point about looking at those that have influenced us. Instructors that have motivated and inspired us can be looked to as we develop our own instructional personality. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Gregory, Good way to make your course content real. By bringing folks in from the outside and letting them tell their stories you are helping to make the content real for the students. As you say you are relating your course to the work world where they soon will find themselves. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Michael, Good job of setting up a positive and supportive environment for your students. By showing them respect and expecting it in return you are setting the parameters for the discussions that will come out of your instruction. This is critical for online as well as on-site classes so that learning take place and not arguments. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Blake, Well said. You have captured the essence of what it is to be an instructor. There are a number of roles we play and we need to work hard at being the best we can be in each of them. Thank you for sharing perspective. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Kathy, You make a great point. Older students are taking a risk just enrolling in school so they want to feel like they can succeed and that their study efforts are worthwhile. Seeing relevancy in what they are studying is a key point. You are helping them to create a future for themselves by giving them a glimpse of their careers. Gary

End of Content