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.

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Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

William, I agree with your assessment of a positive learning environment. The more we can make the setting inviting the better. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

William, This has been my experience as well. You are right on target with your comments about using strategies that will help them to open up and interact more freely. Takes a while but slowly they seem to engage and start contributing once they feel they are respected. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Charmian, Good point. Being prepared and organized allows you to relax a bit and enjoy your interaction with the students because you know you are ready for that day's class. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Jessica, I agree and this is why we need to bring our A game to class each time it meets. If we are not excited about the class it is for sure they won't be. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Maria, You are a great role model for your adult students. They can see how you have been successful and hopefully reduce their personal fears some. If we can get them over their fears and help them see how they can be successful then they will start to build their confidence to the point they become engaged and focused learners. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Brent, This is such an important part of their education. By you setting the standard for professional conduct and dress you are helping them to prepare to be good role models as well. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Christine, Listening is an effective learning strategy for both instructors and students. Good point. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Deborah, I like the way you have laid out a professional development plan for yourself. You are doing the right things in seeking information from other sources. If you can try to observe some other instructors to see how they approach instruction. These observations will give you a lot of insight. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Dennis, You have a good start on defining your instructional style. As you gain experience as an educator your style will evolve and you will continue to find ways that bring you reward as an educator while impacting the lives of your students. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Dawn, You make a good point about the need for balance in your relationship with students. Be a professional supportive instructor that respects the students so they in turn can respect you. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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