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

Student Feedback

Regina, As the learning leader you are shaping and directing the course. By getting student input you are showing respect for them and their opinions. You are right they become more invested when they feel they have a say in certain aspects of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Regina, You make a very good point about their need to invest in themselves and their career success. This is so important because it is their future they are preparing for so they need to see that if they don't put forth the needed effort it will fall back on their and their lack of knowledge and skills. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Ron, You were teaching your dive students essential skills in relation to their success and survival. By having them involved in each phase of the learning process and giving them opportunities to apply what they were learning they were able to internalize the needed content and practice the skill sets. This is what learning success should be able and will for sure keep them engaged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Daniel, Energy generates enthusiasm and passion. By bringing energy to the classroom we are showing our students our excitement about getting to teach them about our field. Energy is catching so we need to spread it to our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Ron, Building on a positive first impression is so much easier than trying to dig out of a negative hole. We set the stage for the course with how we set up the first meeting. With a positive first impression we have formed the foundations from which we can earn the respect of our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Ron, I think this is an essential part of instructional planning. By seeing through the eyes of our students we can understand their perceptions and then make any needed adjustments. By doing so we will be able to reduce distractions and increase engagement. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Richard, So true and yet many instructors do not heed this advice. Without proper planning instructional delivery starts to fall apart and the students become frustrated since they cannot see the direction the course is going nor can they see the value of the content that is being delivered. It is at this point the course basically spins into the ground and fails the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Richard, Thank you for sharing this strategy with us. It is a winner and as you say gives results immediately. These types of ice breakers gets students ramped up and excited about what they are going to learn and then it forward progress from there. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Ron, You have defined professionalism very well. These are the characteristics that an educator should have and model for his or her students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasoning as a Resource

Stephen, Well said about high-paced and high-stress. Having observed a number of kitchens over the years while supervising externships I am amazed at how you chefs do what you do and do it so well. Students have to be able to think quickly and problem solve if they are going to make it in the field. You are doing them a great service with your efforts to help them develop expertise in this area. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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