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

Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Rhonda, This is a good balanced approached to meeting student learning needs while keeping them engaged throughout the course. The bringing in of life experiences helps the students to see life applications as well as gets them ready for the real world they are soon going to be entering. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Blog

Developing Rapport with Students

Creating a connection with students is a goal that all instructors need to have. If instructors can connect with students in way that shows the students that the instructor cares about them as individuals then they become more engaged in the learning process. Some instructors are concerned that if they become too friendly in their approach they will cross the line between being an instructor and a pal of the student. While this is a very valid concern it shouldn't be on obstacle to developing rapport with students. Rapport is based upon mutual respect for each other. When students have… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Blog

Making a Good First Impression

The often used saying "that you only get one chance to make a good first impression" is really true when it comes to starting a new class. As you prepare your syllabus and content for the first class stop for a moment and reflect on the impression you will be making as you start the class. You can ask yourself some questions as a check to see if you are making the positive first impression you want to make with your students. These questions are: Am I dressed appropriately and professionally? Is my classroom/lab clean and organized? Do I have… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Mary, You are doing a great job of offering variety in your delivery. This is important both to target the different learning preferences in your class but also to keep the students engaged. This is what good teaching is all about. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Mary, This is a great point. No matter how many times you review expectations with students it seems that some will forget due dates or misunderstand requirements. Your approach helps to ensure that they know on a regular basis what the expectations are. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Mary Kay, Think big picture and then let your students know about what those expectations are. As a new instructor it is common to make modifications as you begin a course but if you have the constant of the overall goal of the course you will be fine. Don't surprise the students or make changes that alter the course requirements after the students have started work on their projects and you will be fine. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Renate, Great attitude about both your profession and your students. I know your students benefit from your preparation and effort to excite them about nursing. You are creating a legacy for both you field and your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Regina, Great approach in setting the stage of professionalism for your students. This is a critical part of their development as new professionals and you are showing them how they will need to conduct themselves when they are in their own careers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Hi Aaron, You are doing a number of things that reflect on your professional abilities as an educator. I commend you on the variety of instructional deliveries that you are incorporating in your classes. Keep up these efforts. I know your students appreciate your student centered approach. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Hi Michael, If the history course has any application to culinary arts then it should be easier to show the application. If it doesn't I would still weave into the course how food and food preparation has developed and changed over time. By making food a central theme you can build out the key elements of history for the students. Gary

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