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

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Terri, You made my day. Thank you for the kind words and I am pleased that I had a role in your professional development. As for your student I am proud of you in relation to what you were able to do in helping her become a new professional. Keep caring and keep sharing. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Sharon, Good strategy to follow. You field is not exact in that you are trouble shooting a situation based upon symptoms presented. This requires skill as a critical thinker and problem solver. Helping to expand their skill set in the area of critical thinking will help them once they are dealing directly with not only the animals but also the owners. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Shelby, It is so much easier to build on a positive foundation so why not create one on the first day? Then it becomes a matter of earning respect and developing rapport which is an exciting part of being an instructor. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Tracey, Good point and one we need to remember as we plan our first class meeting. We need to think about how what we are planning will be received by the new students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning Environment

Terry, You make a very good point about the value of a dedicated instructor no matter the setting. Yes, we need to have a comfortable supportive environment in which our students can learn but the real factor is the instructor. When I was in teacher training my professor warned me that technology would soon replace all live instructors. Really motivated me because I was training to enter a field in which I would soon be replaced. As history has shown the human factor in teaching is essential and in spite of all the advances in technology teachers are still needed.… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Tracey, Once you come up with a few of them you will start to see how other stories from your experience can used and before you know it you will have a set of stories for each concept you teach. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Sarah, Getting to know more about students is a great way to develop rapport while establishing a connection with them. I enjoy chatting with them about their interests, families or sports as we get ready to start class. Helps to create a comfortable atmosphere for the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Tracy, Good point that can be used to help your students when they start to be overwhelmed with life pressures. The time spent in class is helping them to move closer to their career goals while giving a break during the class meeting times. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Intelligence

Mary Jane, Thank you for the comments about how intelligence can be defined and used by students. You are right about the need to be able to analyze situations and then work toward solutions. Being able to do this will help to determine the career success of students for years to come. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

LAWRENCE, I am sure sharing these pictures and giving examples really captures the attention of your students. I know I would be interested and I'm not in the culinary arts field. Good way to engage students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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