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

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Jeffrey, This type of standardized syllabus presents a challenge because it is more of a policy manual and resource list than a syllabus. If possible the resource section should be removed and given as a supplement. This way the polices, expectations, and requirements of the course can be laid out in the syllabus in a concise and clear manner. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Amanda, I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I really support your comments about how to set the environment up to support adult learners. We need to keep them engaged and focused while providing them a comfortable and encouraging setting to interact with peers and their instructor. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Kimberly, I like this approach. They see what they are going to learn that day and then by posting the next class's objectives they see the connection between each sequential class and the forward progress they are making toward their career goals. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Rheashaun, This is so important because this way the students realize that you are a former student yourself, even though many students don't believe this. They think their instructors just pop out of thin air and start teaching. Knowing you have sit in the chair of a student helps them realize that you understand them and their situations. Good way to create rapport with them. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Dianne, You can show more of your human side through humor and student interaction. By having clear cut policies and expectations you are being a professional and the students can see that. Bringing in treats one day and taking a few minutes to enjoy them while the students chat with each other and you will help them to see you in a different light but will in no way change the perception that you are the instructor and in charge. Food and humor can make many connections with students so don't be afraid to use both when appropriate. Gary Dr.… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Rheashaun, You have a very well developed plan for reaching all of your students and showing them how they can settle into the course and be successful. Good plan and I wish you much success as you continue to impact the lives of your students. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Jeffrey, Right you are. In addition this method helps students to realize they are bringing something to the class (their life experiences) that will help them to be successful in the course. This really helps their self confidence. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Jane, Your comments focused on the need to strive for quality. Personal branding, meaning outstanding skill in one's area is what will set you a part. The time is the same to do the haircut but the return on that time investment results in higher pay when excellence is practiced. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Jeffrey, Good point about the need for targeted feedback. This is the only way students can improve as you say and that is true for all of us. We all need to have feedback that is focused on what we have done well and what we need to work to improve. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Siobhan, So true. They get excited because the content starts to make sense to them because they can see how they can use it in their future work settings. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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