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

Instructors as Role Models

Rochelle, Your comments about how to conduct yourself as an instructor as you both lead the class in learning as well as interact with the students is what being a role model is about. We all need to remember we are being observed by our students in all that we do and say and as a result we need to reflect our professionalism. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Sharon, Good point about enthusiasm. It is for sure if you don't have it your students aren't either. Enthusiasm is catching as is passion for the subject being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Lee-Ellen, This is such a good idea as it lets you be creative as you select your approach. This way you don't have to rush into the class at the last minute trying to decide what you are going to cover. You can get settled in and feeling comfortable as the class starts. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Lee-Ellen, I think the "feel" is very important in getting a class off to a good start. You can get a read for the students and then start your session knowing you are focused on their needs for that class meeting. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Jennifer, If the instructor is enthusiastic about teaching the course content it spreads to the students. We all have had instructors in our past that did not want to be in the classroom and their attitude showed. Made for a very long course! Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Sheila, So true. Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it really gets student engaged and increases student satisfaction. This is a win win situation for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Sheila, This is how instructional improvement occurs. We need to receive and consider student feedback on a regular basis and then make any needed adjustments. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Jennifer, Sorry to hear of the tough session you just completed. These types of classes come our way ever so often and they really challenge us in terms of emotional and physical tolls. Hope your next session will have a group of students that really want to be in the course and that you have a lot of fun helping them learn. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Sheila, Those are valuable instructor characteristics. They are what makes the connection between the students and the instructor and leads to success in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Jennifer, Good point because this helps the instructor to be able to customize the instructional content for that set of students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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