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.

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Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Peggy, Moving forward with a positive foundation is so much easier than trying to dig out of a negative hole. We instructors need to make sure we get it right on the first day. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Wendy, This is so important because it helps to keep you on the same page and moving forward toward the course goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Shannon, Good strategy to follow as it increases each student's personal buy in into the course this way. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Shannon, This is a lousy teaching situation for sure. I have taught in such settings and noise and movement really does impact the attention and focus of students. We should not have to teach in such settings but sometimes we have to. It is tough but most students understand and are able to survive in spite of the distractions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Thom, What are some of the ways you see it impacting the mood of the class? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Joseph, Thank you for sharing this experience you had with too many students and not enough work stations. Yes, situations like this do effect the attitudes of students. Colleges should not expect instructors to teach in such settings, yet they do time after time. You are wise in your checking early on the setting so you can make sure it is ready to accommodate the incoming students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

N. Dianne, You are setting a realistic learning environment for your students. This is as it has to be. Not all of your students will be highly paid network cooking stars. They need to see and learn in a real kitchen and yes, they are hot at times so they need to experience that as well. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Wendy, Right you are. Clear and concise goals illustrate the sequence of objectives and everyone can see what is to be covered and accomplished. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Cleveland, To be a engaging instructor you need to be yourself and use your personality to "sell" the course content. Don't be afraid to have fun with your activities such as using games, role playing and case studies. Think in terms of "edutainment". This is a blending of education and entertainment to the point that the students stay focused on the learning process while enjoying the classes and the interaction with others. You are already seeking improvement via your taping of your lectures. Review them for ways to improve your delivery but don't become too bogged down in the process.… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Ruth, You are fortunate to have such great resources available to you. Keep taking advantage of them for your professional growth as well as the enhancement of your instructional delivery which benefits your students. This is a win win for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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