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

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Carrie, I would ask your students how they feel about introductions. Also, by using ice breakers you can have fun with the introductions while learning about the students you have. I have found that with a fun fast paced ice breaker the students get to laugh a lot, get settled into the course and they don't mind the introductions at all. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Renae, This is a good way to find additional information about the students in a comfortable way. I really like the way you revisit their comments at the end of the quarter. You and they can see how their opinions have changed or remained the same based on they internalized the course content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Linda, This model should be very successful for your college. The change is frequent enough to keep the students' interest but long enough to get the key information across to the students. The application of their newly acquired knowledge in the 20 minute interactive session should really seal the deal in terms of learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Christina, Most individuals do see the approval of authority figures or people they respect. By seeking your approval students are showing that they respect you and what you are trying to teach them. When I have students that don't care about the course or me I make it my special assignment to zero in on them and see if I can win them over. Sometimes I am able to and other times we never can get on the same page. The majority of times though I can find some way to get through to such students and help them… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Steven, You make a number of good points. Your use of different examples make the class fun and engaging. This is a great way to build a connection between a foundational course and how it will help them in their career field at a later date. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Developing Student Rapport

Hi Thomas, You make a great point about student relationships. By developing rapport with students you are showing them you care about their success and are there to help them achieve it. Also,as you know a good relationship with students helps the class to flow better and keep the students engaged at a higher level. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Scott, Thank you for sharing your instructional evaluation format with us. You have balance in the way the points are earned and distributed. This gives the students ample opportunity to be successful. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Luis, Good question and the solution depends on the class dynamics. I have had success in dealing with class leaders by placing each one in a small group where they have to interact with other students. This puts everyone in the same situation since it is a newly formed group. I have found that in many cases the assumed leader doesn't emerge as the group leader but another person steps forward and becomes the leader. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Kelly, This is an important part of being a teacher. Thank you for commenting on this aspect of bringing the human factor into the classroom. By listening to students you are showing your concern for their situations and that you care about their success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Myra, Good example of how an instructor can be flexible and reactive to a situation. I am sure your students enjoyed being outside in the fresh air. You are right about the challenge of getting them back inside. If the weather is like ours it won't be hard. Two weeks ago we had 8 inches of snow and now it is 85 degrees with it turning cold tonight. Point is they will freeze out and be glad to come back inside. Good luck! Gary

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