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

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Jorge, Good point about the value to both the students and the instructor in relation to a well prepared syllabus. The more we can keep them focused on the course by answering their logistical questions in the syllabus the further along we will be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Fred, Yes, it is and this is why it needs to be clear and concise. Also, a well prepared syllabus reduces a lot of the basic questions asked by students about the logistical aspects of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Leslie, This important element is sometimes overlooked and shouldn't be because of your point about student comfort. It is critical to keep the students engaged and focused on the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Margaret, Without them the students are drifting as is the instructor. We have to have clear goals and objectives for our classes and share them on a regular basis with our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

John, You have a great list of professional development opportunities laid out. Thank you for sharing them with us. I know they will be valuable for other instructors to review as they develop their own list of professional development activities. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

John, Bringing passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching it to the classroom/lab each time class is in session is critical to the engagement of students. Like you said if we aren't interested in the topic it is for sure the students won't be either. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Fred, This is a good model to follow as it increases the value of the course for each student. The student can see his or her ROI out of the course by selecting a project that ties in directly with their stated interest. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Yolanda, You are the model for your field so the way you project yourself and the standard you set for the field is how you will be perceived by your students. Your points are good ones about how best to be a role model. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Eleanor, I wish you continued teaching success with the new information and strategies you have to chose from. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

John, The more information we can access and expertise we observe the more options we have in for our own instructional planning. So keep up the good work of expanding your knowledge base about teaching and student development. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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