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

REFOCUS...

Hi Scott, What are some strategies that you use to prevent yourself from burning out? We must strive as educators to be fresh and excited about what we teach so our students will be excited to learn. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Donna, Well said and right on. As an instructor we have to be flexible with our delivery as we learn more about the learning needs of our students. It sounds like from your forum response that you are very sensitive to your students' needs and are striving to help them learn in the best way they can. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Larry, There is a balance that needs to be maintained between the two groups of learners to be effective with both. You see how the two differ so you can work to reach both. I like to group my different age groups together to use the skills of both groups while helping them to develop respect for what each group brings to the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi William, Well said. The key is to make sure your students understand expectations and requirements. Be consistent and come to class each day prepared and you will be a long way down the path of quality instruction. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Donna, By developing a connection with your students you are creating rapport with them and that is important to their success. They have to believe that you believe in them. You are the authority figure but you are also someone that respects them and they you. With that combination the class will go much better. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Heather, You make a number of very good points about our attitudes as instructors. We have to be upbeat and excited about that day's class and the course content even if we don't always feel that way. Our students reflect our attitudes about the course, the college and their success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Jack, Right on about needing to know the needs of your students. You can't help if you don't know the needs. By getting constant feedback from your students you can keep your finger on the pulse of the class and then respond to the emerging needs. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Janet, Nice balance between using your life and career experiences as a spring board to introducing yourself and your qualifications and the course requirements. The students get to see you as a caring professional educator that wants to help them to succeed in the course. Plus, you have the knowledge and experience to help make it happen. Good job. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Janet, Experience has shown me that to truly know what is going on with my students I have to get feedback from them throughout the course phase. I know you will benefit from doing this in your future classes. Also, as you mentioned end of the phase evaluations only give responses to the specific questions that are ask or what the students are thinking about at the end of the course. Our school uses the end of the phase evaluations for annual reviews and are of little or no benefit to instructional improvement. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Brian, Good to hear the kind words about the material and your professional development. All of us instructors have to work on improving our delivery skills no matter how many years we have taught. Keep up the good work and I wish you much teaching success. Gary

End of Content