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

Kathy, You do have an unique situation being in a small enrollment program. This means your first impression has been made in the hall or prior to your having the students in the class. You outlined a clear understanding of how your professional personality has been evaluated by students before coming to your class. This is in one way a good thing because they already know you for the reputation you have earned and know you are there to help them be successful if they will put forth the effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Maureen, This is essential if a course is going to get off to a clear start. The students need to know exactly what is required. If they don't then frustration sets in and no one is satisfied with how the course is going. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

William, This is the creative part of being an instructor. You are able to make connections that might be missed by the students and turn these connections into projects. This helps to expand their critical thinking skills. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Maureen, Good point and well said. We need to remain current in our content and work on continued expansion of our delivery format. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Maureen, It is great to hear that you had good models in your past and now you get to pass this modeling on to your own students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Kathryn, It has happened to me as well so I use the same requirement with my students. We cover it in class and they sign off that they have read it. As you say reduces the questions and eliminates the excuse that they didn't get a copy of the syllabus. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Rhonda, You have a great support system to continue to develop your knowledge and expertise as an educator. I wish you continued success in both teaching and professional growth. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Kirson, You raise a good point about knowing the other courses your students are taking. This way you can relate your subject matter to the other courses and help your students to see how the various parts of their educational program fit together. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Intelligence

Robert, Well said. Bits and pieces all contribute to the complete object. We all need to be able to see the total object as well as the components that contribute to the making of the object. This is what practical and working intelligence is about. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Erin, I agree in a big way. So many of my students do not want to invest in themselves via discipline to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be critical thinkers or problem solvers. There is no quick fix to experience and expertise. We acquired knowledge and expertise through self discipline and they have to as well. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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