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

Instructor Enthusiasm

Elanor, Well said. The Ben Stein scene is a favorite of mine due to the way this teacher presents the material in the most boring way possible. I have used this clip in my professional development workshops because it is done so well plus makes a very clear point. We need to have passion for our field and enthusiasm for teaching about it. Just as you say when we bring enthusiasm to the classroom it spreads and learning happens. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Donna, Yes it will. Knowing that you are aware of them and their different learning preferences helps them to see you as a supportive learning leader. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Andrea, This seems to be an ongoing challenge for many students today. They do not see themselves in any kind of team work situation. They feel entitled to an A because they have paid tuition rather than having earned their grade. I do a lot of group work and problem solving activities to try and break down some of these barriers and attitudes. We focus on courtesy, respect and rapport and how each of us needs to display and work through these three. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Shelly, This approach shows your students the importance you attach to the syllabus and why they need to read and understand it. Also, as you say by reading the syllabus they can reduce their anxiety because everything is spelled out in the syllabus. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Jessie, This is a valuable resource to have and share with your students. This way you know how to select and deliver instruction based upon what the inventory showed you. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Shelly, My experience as well and why I work very hard at making the first class session a big deal for the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Jessie, Yes it does. A good first impression helps to establish you as a professional that can help them move toward their career goals which can be a big motivator for the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Shelly, Temperature is an important part of the learning process. As you say too cold and students shut down, when it is too warm they drift off. We need to always see out classrooms and labs through the eyes of our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Jessie, This is such a great way to prepare students because you are helping them to be confident when they transition from the classroom/lab to the real world. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Shelly, What a great resource you have. I enjoy doing observations because I always take something away from my visits that I can use in my classes. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

End of Content