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

Tara, I think this is such an important part of teaching. By sharing these stories you are making the content relevant to the students while reinforcing how applications can be made of their new knowledge. These stories help the students to think about their future and how they are going to shape their careers as a result of the experiences you share with them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Crystal, You are developing your instructional delivery in a way that supports the engagement of your students. In addition, you are getting them involved so they cannot just be passive while in class. This is a must if you are going to show relevancy in terms of the content being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Leslie, Have fun with the introductions so the students learn more about their classmates as well as their instructor while they are getting settled into the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Crystal, Yes it does. We need to look at the learning environment through the eyes of our students. The result will be a setting that is supportive of their learning needs and one in which they look forward to attending. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Michael, I find that I always learn something from these observations. Good way to see how others approach their instructional planning and delivery. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Jamie, Like your definition because it is inclusive of a number of different elements needed to define professionalism. I know you project a model for your students to follow as they interact with you and move through the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Analytical Skills

Laura, Your field is full of so many different problem solving opportunities. Some are to solve problems and others are to be creative as a chef. Both are needed if your students are going to rise in their profession and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing they have produced dishes that are going to be enjoyed by many. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Intelligence

Laura, This is why the saying "it isn't how smart you are but how you are smart" comes into play. Your dough example is dead on. It is a complex process that requires knowledge, skill and dedication and if followed the result is pasta that is perfect and a high level of personal satisfaction. Thank you for the example. You have increased my knowledge of what good pasta should be like and I will be looking for it the next time I dine out. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Laura, Your last sentence captures what we need to help our students develop. Personal discipline is what got most of us to the success point we now enjoy. When you share your own story of how you developed the discipline you have I am sure you have their attention because they are learning that they need to work hard at self discipline if they are going to enjoy success in their own careers. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Laura, In our fast paced culture many students have not developed the ability to stop and reflect on what some of the possible solutions to a problem might be. This reflective time is important because it helps to define and refine solutions and keeps the problem solver focused on successful outcomes. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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