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

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Sandra, Good way to reinforce the value you attach to your syllabus and what your expectations are for your students. This makes it clear what they are going to have to do to be successful in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Brittany, Good strategy. Not only does this help you to get settled in and ready to teach it sends a message to the students that you are there and ready to go. No last minute rushing in, out of breath, throwing things down on the desk. That sends a real message to because you can remember having had such instructors and what you thought of them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Deanna, This is so important. The classroom needs to be a place of support and respect. This way the students can come in get settled and be ready to learn. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Ines, Good point. Letting the students know we have been where they are and that we were able to complete our schooling and go into our chosen field is an important part of motivating students. This also start the development of respect between students and instructor. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Fidencio, What are some of the activities you use to make your class fun and interesting? Thank you for your input on this. I know the information will be valuable to other instructors. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Thomas, Relevancy and application, two key words for instructors. We need to continually ask ourselves if we are making sure both of these words are integrated into our instructional delivery. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Marshall, Great description of what instructional professionalism is all about. Yes, we do set the bar for our students and we need to make sure that the bar is set high because we may be the only professional from their field they will get to know before entering the field. We want them to have a positive role model to follow. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Roger, I like your comments about professionalism. The one that really stands out to me is the related to the need to continually assess your professionalism and make changes as necessary. This helps you to remain at the top of your game throughout your teaching career. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi James, I think it is a good one. You are presenting yourself as a professional that knows how to communicate what you know to those that are willing to learn. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Rita, You have a good idea on how to implement change in your classes. Take one topic as you mentioned and try it out. With the new approach, project or assignment there will be little risk because it is just one area of the course. Then try another and another and before long you will have introduced all kinds of new strategies into your course while maintaining the activities that are effective and work for you. Gary

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