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

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Shirley, Yes, it is. Respect in both directions sets the stage for the development of rapport. With respect and rapport much progress can be made in learning and professional development. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Craig, Well stated. This is what make a professional educator professional. There is a balance of knowledge and instructional expertise combined with passion for teaching and one's field. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Frances, I tell my students that we are going to trying and answer the question--"How do you eat an elephant?". This always gets their attention because we have so much material to cover in our course as well. They wonder what I am talking about. I then give them the answer which is "one bite at a time.". Meaning use any strategies, methods or organizers to break the content down into manageable segments. I give them tools to help them create their learning segments. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Frances, I can tell from your comments that you bring a lot of passion about your field to the classroom. This is so important for students to see and experience because it helps them see themselves in the future working successfully. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

Ladansa, I use games in my classes as well. They are a fun way to review for an upcoming test. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

John, A great master plan for teaching. This information is going to be valuable to beginning instructors. Thanks for sharing it with us. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Rick, This is how you customize instruction for each group of students. Instructors need to "read" the dynamics of each class and plan accordingly. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Siobhan, Have each station checked and set up prior to the students coming in. Make sure there are sufficient supplies, tools and resources available so the students can come into the lab and go to work. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Siobhan, An effective teaching style for lab settings is to due a short introduction at the beginning of the lab and then do any demonstrations that are needed. The remainder of the time can be spent "floating" around the lab giving individual instruction to students. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Christopher, Great example about how to expand your professional expertise. Your experience in Japan teaching English had to have been a real eye opener. Thanks for sharing how we need to stretch ourselves. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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