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

Sue, This is a tough teaching situation but I commend you for the strategy you are using and that you are keeping a positive attitude even when faced with the equipment you have. I am sure your professionalism will overcome the equipment in terms of the respect of your students as you teach under these conditions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

LaNeisha, This sets the stage for a successful course due to the clear goals and objectives as well as the measurements that are taken in terms of accomplishing the goals of the course. This keeps everyone on the same page as the course progresses. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Sue, This is a great way to refine your instructional expertise and help to define yourself as an instructor of merit. Good service for your school to provide the faculty input and opportunities for growth. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Susan, You are on the right track with your professional development. Keep up the good work and before you know it you will be an instructor of merit. I wish you much teaching success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

LaNeisha, Right you are about needing to modeling the dress, language and conduct expected of a professional in each of our respective fields. Your point about we being maybe the first person they have met from the field is accurate because I encounter it all the time. We are setting the standard for our field and our students so it needs to be a high standard for sure. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Daniel, This is where self discipline comes in and many students don't want to invest this much time or effort into their career development. They do have to start at the beginning and work up from there. We all did and it got us success. They to have to invest in their future if they want one. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Daniel, This is a good way to encourage student input and feedback. You are right about taking their input and considering how you can use it to improve the course and letting them know you value their opinion even if it isn't possible or feasible to implement their suggestions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Daniel, This is such an important point to remember. As an authority figure you represent success to them so you need to model what a person in your career field is like while providing them with support during the course. The result will be the human factor coming through while they are gaining content and skills. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Valerie, The key is to do the best you can to create a positive professional first image. You are right each student will read the first day in their own way and hopefully there is a connection made with the instructor that can be built on throughout the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Maria, Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it spreads to the students. If you are excited they are going to become engaged in the learning process and increase their engagement. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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