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

Your Instructional Style

Roberta, Have fun with this. I think you will find it exciting as you experiment with different styles and find the one that works best for you and your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Todd, Great to hear the benefit this course was to you. I wish you much success as you continue to impact the lives of your students and share your passion for your field with them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Alicia, I like your point about "ownership" of learning. With many students coming to use with the idea they are "owed" a grade because they paid tuition to come to college it is necessary to reinforce that grades as well as success is earned not gifted. Once they realize this then enhanced learning can occur. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Cynthia, We instructor live for those "aha" moments. So the better prepared we can be and the more professional we present ourselves the more opportunities we are going to have to experience such moments. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Peggy, I'm sure they do. These stories are great motivators and they help the students to see the value of the content they are learning, plus they just fun to hear. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Lucinda, Guest speakers and field trips are great motivational tools for students. I use them a lot in my classes for the reasons you state. They help to make the content real and show the students what their future holds for them as they go out into the real world and visit the sites and talk to individuals working in their area. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Alicia, Opinion sharing and group discussions are important in the teaching process because students need to develop the ability to articulate clear and concise information about their field. Good communication skills are essential for career growth. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Molly, Good point about student feedback. This is such a valuable resource to use as a part of instructional development. Their candid input can help use to improve, expand, change or structure our instructional delivery in a way that is better received and more easily understood. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Cynthia, Fair and caring. Simple and to the point in relation to human interaction and connection. Both of these words show students that they are valued and we instructors want to help them to be successful if they are willing to put forth the needed effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Molly, We need to bring passion for our field and enthusiasm for teaching it. If we aren't excited it is for sure the students won't be. The use of stories from the field is a valuable teaching tool because as you already know students really perk up when you share your experiences with them. These stories help to make the content real and increases the value of the learning effort for the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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