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

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Joanna, The way you work with adult learners is key. I support your comment about making sure to use their life experiences and let them know they are bringing something to the class. This really helps with their self confidence and class success. Thanks for sharing these ideas with us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Joanna, I understand where you are coming from with the keyboarding class. This is a tough one because it is a program based course. When I have taught such courses I rely heavily on the before and after class talks I have with students. I work hard at establishing rapport with each student so I can encourage him or her since within the actual course content there isn't anything I can do. I am available to answer questions during the class time to help reduce their frustration levels but at times even that doesn't help. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Joanna, I like your last sentence about the need for continual professional development. I have been a teacher for many years and yet each time I teach a course I try to incorporate something new or different to make my delivery even more effective. In addition, the addition of new and/or different items in the course help to keep me engaged and excited about teaching the course so I don't become bored and teach the content in a routine way. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Timothy, Good point about how to lead effective discussions. As you pointed out if they are not done correctly they can quickly go a different direction and the real topic becomes lost in the process. This requires good direction from the instructor so the students will remain engaged during the entire discussion time. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Joanna, Great way of defining instructional professionalism. This is what being a dedicated educator is all about. I know your students are benefiting from your organization, preparation and delivery of content and role modeling. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Jeremy, Right you are about the need for a supportive and comfortable learning environment. If the students have such then they can concentrate on the course and not the surroundings. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Carla, All good ways to get the students involved and engaged. These different forms of reinforcement helps the students to see relevance to what they are learning in addition to the application phase. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Edward, You make a good point with the studying from midnight to 4am example, even though you were kidding. By giving a weekly schedule the students can work on creating segments of time that will be productive to them in relation to their classes in addition to coping with the other parts of their lives. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Gregrey, I wish you much success in your teaching career. I know you are going to enjoy sharing your knowledge and experience while impacting the lives of your students. Keep expanding your expertise and always keep your students first in your planning and you will do a great job. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Michael, This is not uncommon. Many colleges want every instructor to use the standardized syllabus for the course they are teaching. What I have done in this situation is to create an addendum to the syllabus where I personalize my assignments, expectations and course specific requirements. This way I can make the course more my own and I am still using the syllabus that the college requires. Gary

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