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 Motivation Factors

Cristiane, Thank you for these comments in relation to helping students to successfully overcome life challenges and keep moving forward in their course work and career development. They need help at times in being able to see beyond the current situation and realizing that they need to be in school for the long haul which will result in greater opportunities to develop as a person. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

Nelson, Both of the strategies really help to keep students focused on the content and their progress through the course. You make a very good about about the need for each student to feel acknowledged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Joseph, Students really like hear stories about the past experiences of their instructors. These stories help the content to come alive and become personal for them because the start to relate to you and how you progressed in your own career. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Joseph, So true. Passion is catching as is excitement. Both will help students to see the value of why they are in the class and being taught what they are. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Cristiane, Good points about instructor enthusiasm. We need to have passion for our field and enthusiasm for teaching it. By blending these two you are going to be able to engage students and have a productive and rewarding class each time. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Joseph, Yes, it does. Knowing they have lost their previous employment and are seeking to expand their skill sets and knowledge lets you know that they are going to be trying to meet the requirements of your course. They have specific career goals and they are going to work hard to achieve them. Other students may be there because their parents made them come. They will have different goals for your course. The more you know about them the more you will be able to target your instruction. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Carrie, Good plan for setting the tone for the upcoming course. Through your dress and behavior you are showing your students that you are excited about teaching and sharing information that will help them to move closer to reaching their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Rochelle, You use of the words first and lasting really demonstrate the value of being prepared for the first class meeting. Instructors are setting the stage for the upcoming classes and it is so important that a positive first impression is made. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Steven, Good point because a positive first impression sets the tone for the remainder of the course. We need to be sure we are organized, prepared and excited about teaching our first class. From there on it is a building of respect with students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Nicole, It is important to have a professional development plan so you know where to concentrate your time as you strive to expand your knowledge and expertise. These professional development efforts will increase your personal satisfaction as a professional educator. Keep up the good work. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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