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

Making Instruction Relevant

Dana, Students like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery. You are offering both with your approach and this is what keeps your students engaged. Thanks for sharing this model with us. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Darrold, Love hearing from instructors like yourself. You are teaching because you have something to share and you are excited about sharing it. Keep up the good work and I wish you the best in terms of sharing your life experiences and helping to impact the lives of the next generation entering your field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

LARRY, You hit upon the two key elements needed for student engagement. Your passion for your field and your enthusiasm for teaching about it. Keep up the good work! Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Beverly, This is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built. Once they see that you are the learning leader and that you are going to help them move toward their career goals then the class can proceed from there. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Mary Ellen, Resources like this is what helps students to develop both their knowledge and skills. I am sure these manikins add much value to the class as well as letting students work with them over and over until they get the needed procedures down. Much easier than getting a human to lay there and be worked on, that can come at a later day when they are functioning at a higher level. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Beverly, Students like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery. You are offering both in terms of your lectures, small group work and reviews. This is what keeps them focused and moving forward in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Stacey, You are right about the human factor. It is essential in terms of being a part of the instructional process. Without the human factor teaching does not have the enjoyment that we get as instructors. So we need to bring this element to our classes each time we meet because we are impacting lives in many different ways. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Angela, You have such a great perspective on teaching since you use your skills with elementary students during the day and adults at night. Many of the same principles apply to both. I have found that adults are just taller children in many ways, such as wanting to be reinforced and rewarded. My adult students will work extremely hard to receive a piece of candy or have pizza day as a reward for their hard work and doing well on assignments. I am sure it is fun to teach both groups. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Willie, Like the balance you have with your instructional delivery. Students like change of pace and variety in their learning delivery and you are doing just that. Guest lectures are a great way to show relevance to students. I have graduates come into class and share their stories. When they leave the students are all ramped up because they see what is being taught is going to be used when they are out in the workplace. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Willie, Good point about respect. It must be earned and it needs to be two way in terms of development. With respect comes trust and this is such an important part of the teaching learning process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

End of Content