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

Your Instructional Style

Hi Ronald, This is a great way to bring current events into the class as well as keep their interest through the medial format. How do your students respond to this type of presentation? Thanks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Mark, As they say practice makes perfect so you are on the right track. You might want to use some small group activities and discussion sessions to help you ease into being in front of the class. Develop a 15-20 lecture with supporting media, deliver it and then have a discussion session this will let you relax a bit because the attention shifts around the room as different students talk. Then you can do another lecture, then another activity and before you know it you will feel at ease in front of your students. I wish you the best… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Bruce, What a great title to have. I am sure your students get ramped up as a result of your energy and excitement. When they are this way teaching becomes a whole lot easier since the students are ready to learn what is going to be covered that day. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Hi Brian, I like this approach. This really expands the knowledge base of the students because they can see through the demonstration exactly how the sauces are connected through technique and history. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Hi Amy, I teach as required basic course as well. Many of the students enter the course with negative attitudes because they are "forced" to be there and they see no value to what I am teaching. I am like you in that I take their attitudes as a challenge and try to win them over to valuing what I am teaching through careful planning, examples, guest speakers and individual projects. They slowly start to see how they can be successful in the course, enjoy the material and have fun while learning. This is what makes it worthwhile. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Tamara, This is a very good way to start the course off. As you say the students know what the expectations are. How do you go about introducing your expectations? Do you refer to the content printed in the syllabus, use a PowerPoint, Q&A, etc.. Thank you in advance for sharing your strategies with us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Stacy, Thank you for sharing this introduction strategy. It is a good way to learn about the students and get them settled into the course. I am sure this strategy will be of benefit to many other instructors as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Hi Christina, Way to go in presenting a variety of instructional methods as well as introducing the human aspects as well. Humor is an essential component of teaching as it can be used in so many different ways to keep students engaged and comfortable. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Jodi, The mini-lecture format is based upon the flow of the material. The ideas is to present a concept along with supporting information and then pause with an activity to reinforce what has been learned. This could be a small group activity, Q&A session, or any other form of change of pace. Then you can go into your next section. The human brain needs a change of pace to stay engaged and by changing the flow every 15-20 minutes you are helping the students to reset their brains. You don't have to take a break or disrupt the class… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Jodi, Thanks for sharing this advice with us. This will really be of benefit to other beginning instructors as they prepare their syllabus and enter their first teaching assignment. Gary

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