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

Motivating Learners

Cynthia, I commend you for your effort and approach. As you already know math is a subject that students don't really like to study or be a part of. You have got them engaged and enjoying learning about algebra which says a lot about how you are able to ease their fears and get them to focus on making applications of what is being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Stephan, They are brief and to the point so we can remember them as we play each role at different times in our classes. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Lisa, You have shared a very comprehensive list of what being a professional educator is about. We all need to consider this list when we are preparing our instruction to make sure we hit on these elements. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Kathleen, Good way to provide an open and supportive learning environment. This way your students will be at ease in the class and feel that they can contribute easily via asking questions or participating in discussions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Kathleen, Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it goes a long way in getting students engaged. Your comments really zero in just how important the human factor is in keeping students focused on their coursework and career progress. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Jacquelin, I do to. These informal chats with students before class are so valuable in reading the mood of the class and getting to know the students as individuals. Use of their names sends a real clear message of respect because as you say they see that you see them as individuals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Jacquelin, Right you are about needing to know the learning needs of your students. Keeping a "read" of your students will enable you to make adjustments as needed so your students will continue progress in the course successfully. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Jacquelin, Study or work teams like those you are planning on creating can be of create help in getting the students to work together and develop cooperative skills. Generally groups like this get real excited about the project they are working on because they are sharing a common goal in relation to the assignment. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

David, Video taping one's self is a great way to see you as you really are but as you say it can be lesson on humbleness when it comes to your delivery. We all need to do this now and then because it is so easy to drop into annoying habits that we don't notice but really impact our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Jeffrey, The use of a well prepared syllabus will help instructors in all educational settings to inform students as to the requirements, policies and expectations of the course. By doing so instructors will have documentation of sharing (syllabus) should a question arise or a student claim be made. So it is a matter of informing but also protecting all those involved in the learning process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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