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

Valuing Student Opinions

Hi Ann, This is a good point. We need to keep the students engaged in the discussion and help them to use facts and best practices in their problem solving even if it is different than the approach we use. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Hi Michael, This is a great quote that needs to be shared with all instructors. This is what keeps us coming back to the classroom day after day. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Hi Raymond, When students feel like their opinions are valued they will contribute more frequently. In addition, your point about non-verbal communication is something that every instructor needs to be aware of and consider when teaching a class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Patrick, Classroom culture is so powerful in the learning process. A positive classroom environment with a supportive instructor does much to set the stage for successful learning and increased student retention. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Heather, This method helps to get the students invested in the course because of the input they have contributed. This increases both retention and engagement. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Dae, The first day is so important as you mention. By helping the students to feel a part of the class and get settled in you are helping to reduce their fears so they can focus on being successful in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Victor, This type of opening helps to get the students settled into the class for the day as well as helping you to get a feel for the dynamics that are going on. This will help you with the approach you want to take for that class session. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Hi Kelli, Thank you for these comments. This is what being an instructor is all about. You get to enjoy both your students and your content, plus get paid to do it. How great is that? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Hi Charlie, Good points about helping students to "connect the dots" between what they are learning in class and how that content will help them to achieve their career goals. They need to be reminded of this throughout the course because it is easy for them to become tired and worn down at which time they forget how much progress they have made. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Hi Sherrie, Isn't it amazing that something that seems so simple can have such a major impact. The fact you put forth the effort to learn their names quickly really help to start the development of respect and rapport. It just builds from there. Gary

End of Content