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

The Learning Environment Effect

Rachel, Great way to kick off a class. It demonstrates the professionalism that is being brought to the class as you mention. This is key to demonstrating that you have passion for your field and are enthusiastic about teaching your content. This is what an instructor of merit is about. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Maria, Thank you for the kind words about the course content as well as the story you shared. Your experience is what keeps us educators coming back to our classes year after year. We do impact the lives of our students. Your display of the human factor the very first class meeting was powerful for your students as evidenced by the statement made by the student at the end of the class. You are bringing your personality to the class and sharing it with your students and this is a gift that they will appreciate for years to come. I… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Jennifer, Your last sentence says it all in terms of what the students should take away from a course like yours. They need a wide variety of experiences and exposures that will enable them to develop their critical thinking skills which will help them to become problem solvers. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Jeffery, Yes, it is and this is such an important point to remember as we approach our classroom or lab each time. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Wendy, Thank you for these comments because they reflect the needs that many students have that are in our courses and how we can support them and their success. The human factor is essential in all that we do as educators. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Jeffery, There is the social aspect of career development and students need to see how it works and how they can work with others in diverse settings. The more experiences you provide them while they are in your class the better prepared they are going to be when they enter the workplace. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Elizabeth, You are going to like the information you get in the ACTE magazine "Techniques". I had the honor to be elected President of ACTE a few years back so I am a big supporter of the association and the work it does in helping secondary and post-secondary instructor grow professionally. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Deborah, Like your list as it hits upon the common needs for reinforcement for most students. Helping them to see their value as students and success in the classroom or lab goes a long way in increasing their motivation and engagement. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Wendy, Not really. Older students in any college setting have the fear of failing because they feel they are not current on technology, content or study habits. In addition, they fear they will be made fun of by younger students so there is the social dynamic going on as well. The key to getting them settled into any post-secondary class is to help them feel accepted and comfortable. Then if you can provide them with early success in the course where they can use their life experiences to help them their self confidence really soars. I provide my classes with… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Virgil, Yes, they do. It is fun when they get excited about receiving a reward for completing a project or activity. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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