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

Making a Positive First Impression

Sarah, Good luck in your efforts. I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I have the challenge of keeping my students engaged and alert throughout the evening. We do get to have snacks and coffee in our room so that is a big help. I find that with lots of activities and mini-lectures I am able to keep them focused throughout the evening. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Sarah, I have a thing about profane language being used by professors. I know some think it is cute or that they relate to students as a result of using such language but I have always felt we need to set the standard for conduct, dress and behavior high. We are preparing our students for a successful career so they we need to model what the expectations are for the field. I have never had an employer tell me they would have hired one of my graduates if she would have used more profanity. I have had them tell me… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Linda, I have been forced to teach in overcrowded settings and really appreciate your comments about how overcrowding impacts learning. We need to be respective of our students and their needs for a quality learning environment. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Robert, Right you are. Distractions of all types need to be reduced to enhance the learning environment. This is why it is good to walk into the classroom or lab and try to see the environment through the eyes of the students. This will help instructors to work on creating an environment that is supportive and inviting to the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Larry, Good way to start a new class because you are right about how much apprehension students have when starting a new course. They are seeking information and support from the instructor so they can see how they can be successful in the course if they will put forth the effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Linda, Good for you. This is what connecting the "educational" dots for students should be about you are helping them to see the value of what they are learning. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Milay, Good point because you are bringing to the classroom the latest information and best practices. Thus, the content you are offering is real and gives students information about application of such content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Breanna, This is such an important part of their education. The more examples they can review and situations they can work through the better prepared they will be when they graduate. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Ron, Thank you for these good comments about how to engage and support adult learners. They are taking a major step in their lives by returning to school and the more we can encourage them and facilitate their success the more confident they are going to become as students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Aileen, So true and such an important part of teaching. By earning the respect of students you are establishing the foundation for rapport and professional growth. This is one of the rewards of teaching. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

End of Content