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

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Nancy, I use this format as well. Small groups working on case studies help to get everyone involved and talking, sharing and interacting with each other. In addition, they help with the development of critical thinking skills. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Lance, Right you are. I am sure we all have had the instructor that does not want to be a teacher and does not want to be in class. The courses I had with instructors like that seem to drag on forever. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Candace, Good point about the need for clear and concise information about the course requirements and expectations. As you know you cannot remind students too many times about due dates. They have very very selective memory when it comes to due dates so we have to keep refreshing the dates in their minds. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Candace, You are right there with your comments about enhancing and refining your instructional style. All three contribute in their own way to the professional growth of instructors. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Billie, So true. Students need to see the passion we have for out field and the enthusiasm we have for teaching our content. These two elements go a long way in focusing the students in on the course and the goals we have set. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Wendy, Like this ice breaker. It is fun and easy to do. Thank you for sharing it with us. I know it will be valuable to other instructors. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Wendy, I like to use this method as well for the reason you state. You know in "real time" what is and is not working in the class. As a result you can make any adaptations you need to make to keep the students engaged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Billie, This is so true and important. Starting with the earning of the respect of students and building to developing rapport with them is how learning is enhanced. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

David, Selling yourself through your personality is what it is all about. As long as the students respond to your style and you are helping them to acquire the needed content you are on the mark. Keep being you. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Wendy, Fun way to start a class. I am sure the instructor learned a lot from chatting with the students in this format so when he stood up he was able to personalize the information he shared with the students. Thanks for sharing this ice breaker with us. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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