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

Instructors as Role Models

Lynne, Instructors often times overlook or do not value their dress, language and conduct when it comes to being the learning leader. Your comments are right on about the importance of being an example and model for the students to follow. It is a part of our professional responsibility. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

Lindsey, Well analyzed in terms of how to approach reflective thinking. You make a very good point in your last sentence in that through reflective thinking we often do come up with a completely different solution to our problem. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Karen, Good way to change up the environment as well as get the students engaged. This increases their focus and shows relevancy to the new information. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

Mary, Feedback and reinforcement are two elements needed for teaching success. The more information we can give them along with support for their growth the more they will be engaged in the learning process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Mary, It happens to us all. By taking a deep breath and refocusing ourselves we can see the impact we are having on their lives and this helps us to reset our minds and make ourselves ready to get back into the classroom. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Thomas, You make such a good point. Students need to feel that someone in authority (you) cares about them and their success. By knowing you care they become invested in the course and their future. This makes it a win win for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Patricia, Yes, it will get the students invested in the course because they know that they will have their turn to have input. Good strategy for other instructors to use. Thanks for sharing it with us. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Karen, What a great resource you are providing for your students. By helping them work through the personal side of their lives you are helping them to be able to stay in school and develop the professional side of their lives as well as create a future for themselves. This is so important for student retention. More drop out as you know for reasons like lack of child care than for the rigors of the courses. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Gregory, Students like variety and change of pace in their instruction. You are providing both with your approach as well as helping them to see relevancy to and make application of the new information they receive. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Jo, I congratulate you on good planning. You have your checklist and know what you want to do to get the class started. This gives you and your students a feeling of confidence in your abilities as a learning leader. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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