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

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi James, Right you are. A specific course is being developed to address what you have mentioned. With the emergence of so many different formats for offering courses we are striving to develop and field test specific strategies for use with the different course deliveries. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi David, As the students are going to enter the "real world" upon graduation any simulation of the real world is helpful. As you mention we need to get as close as we can to the real world if we are going to help our students with the transition from classroom to employment. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Hi James, The understanding of where the students are coming from and the pressures they are facing in their lives needs to be understood by instructors. This doesn't mean that the standards of the courses are compromised but with the understanding alternatives can be explored on an as needed basis when needed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Hi Terrie, You are right with your comments concerning comprehensive and clear descriptions of what is going to occur in the course. This really reduces frustration and stress for the students plus it gets the course off to a good start for everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Terrie, What have you found to be successful ways to connect with the students on a positive note? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi James, Well said. Students at this level need to develop skill in problem solving and the ability to work with others. An instructor that facilitates the experiences that enables these skills to be acquired is one that is preparing the students for career success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Marcia, Thanks for sharing these strategies with us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Craig, Welcome to the profession. I know you are going to have a rewarding career as an educator. I have been in this business for over thirty years and have enjoyed every year of it. Your goal in relation to developing your instructional style is a good one. All the components you listed will contribute to your growth and development as an instructor of excellence. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Sandy, Showing you care is powerful when it comes to a student that is on the bubble of dropping out. A slight nudge either way will bring that student back into the classroom for the duration of the course or send him/her out of school without the needed education. The methods you are using show that you want success to be a part of their future. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Ray, Great to hear about the clickers method. They are being field tested in several of our courses here at my college. It is interesting to hear the students' responses to using them. This is another tool that can help guide instructors and engage students in the learning process. We need to use all the resources we can to keep our students focused on learning outcomes. Gary

End of Content