Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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

Discussion Comment
Hi Bennett, The more tactile or activity based instruction you can offer the better your students will be able to integrate the information into their working memory. Also, the REFOCUS model is to serve as a reminder of how we need to keep our interest up about our teaching, feel free to revise it in any way that will be of help to your professional development. Gary
Hi Kevin, You are doing a great job of keeping your finger on the pulse of the class. By constantly talking with your students you can identify any changes you need to make to insure that your instruction is targeted to their needs. Gary
Hi Lawrence, Well said. You have to be flexible if you are going to reach the majority of your students. This is the sign of a dedicated professional educator. Keep up the good work. Gary
Hi Terry, This is a good use of the students as resources. By using the life experiences of your students they can use each other as learning helpers. Gary
Discussion Comment
Hi Bill, You are right about needing to stay fresh. What are some things you do to keep fresh and excited about the courses you teach? Gary
Hi Francisco, You make a good point about preparation. As an instructor you need to look at the students that will be coming into your class and then develop instructional activities that will focus on their learning needs. Gary
Hi Patrick, This is a great way to create rapport with your students. The can see you are interested in their lives beyond the classroom and understand the challenges they are facing with full time work and going to school. Gary
Hi Abundio, Instructors need to work at creating opportunities for students to show success and motivate themselves to keep trying for higher level skill development. We need to encourage and demonstrate ways that students can develop their expertise and this will lead them to their career goals. Gary
Hi John, Dead on! Immediate use of newly acquired knowledge is key for learning. Your students being "ready for the house" says it all. They know when they have progressed to that level and get to show their stuff. That's what teaching is about. Gary
Hi David, You are right about the instructor setting the tone for the class. "Everything rises and falls on leadership" as the old saying goes. You are the center of the educational environment and how you set up the classroom or lab and how you present yourself to your students will determine how successful both you and they are going to be. Gary

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