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

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Hi Monique, You make a good point about the need for variety in your instructional delivery. I teach a 6 hour evening class, starting at 4:00 pm and ending at 10:00 pm. As you well know you have to work very hard to keep them engaged and focused during this time span. I always feel great at the end of the class when I feel that I have moved the students forward in their knowledge and they have left the class fully engaged. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi April, This is so true and so important. If we instructors don't have passion for our field and our students then we are just going through the motions of being instructors and our effectiveness is greatly reduced. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Reasons for Enrolling

Hi Julie, This is a great way to expand your expertise as an instructor. You are able to compare what you are experiencing as a graduate student with how you are presenting your course content. You know how your students value relevancy and rapport so you can build on it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Arturo, Good point about how you are "reading" your own instructional setting to help your students. By being both a student and instructor you get to see both sides of the instructional process which I know leads to better instructional delivery on your part. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Myra, I agree with you about the need for someone to help you to keep up with the technology. Our university has two techs assigned to our building where we can have someone available to help us in 3 to 5 minutes. This help is for our computer, software and/or presentation development. They are great and really help to save my time and keep me current. The ROI on this is great for both the students and the instructors. Good luck with your request. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Being Successful in College

Hi Virginia, Among your students what are some of the most common support needs that exist? Thank. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Donalee, What are some methods you use to get all of the students involved in the question and answer discussions? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Thomas, This is a challenge that faces all of instructors. As far as I know there are no magic solutions but by using common sense and developing activities that have students draw from the textbook in order to complete the skills portion of the course. I put my students into groups assign them a project/case study and then they go to work. I tell them where the information they need is located in their texts. They then use the text as a reference guide and information source for the hands on. This really helps them to see the value… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Virginia, The professional component of teaching is critical. You are doing a great job of setting the stage for your students. They, as a result of being in your class know what a professional in their field is like. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Teresa, You are right on with your comments about the need for students to learn how to work with each other. The social aspects of work are as important as the skill parts. If they can't work with others their tenure on the job is going to be a short one. Gary

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