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

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Lonnie, You make a good point about how you are making an impact on the learning of students through multiple avenues. This way all students are exposed to the variety and get to take the content in through their learning preference. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Anthony, I like the reminder idea. Sometimes we get so busy that we forget that we are not as excited about the course and our teaching as we should be. Your reminder method causes one to pause and think about why you are teaching and then up the motivation factor so you can regain that needed excitement to be at your A game level once again. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi William, I like this approach. You are opening doors of opportunity to students so they can expand their knowledge and exposure to the world. Good communication skills are essential to success in a career. If the students have such skills they will be better able to communicate with their employees as well as their customers. Not to mention opening up the world of fine literature and the classics. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Hi Jacqueline, Thanks for sharing this great ice breaker. What a great way to start the class and help the students get to know each other better. I am sure you get some really interesting things that the students have done of which they are proud. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Anthony, Good comments about enthusiasm and passion for one's field. Yes, some students don't want to be there. We can continue to work with and support them but in the end it is up to them. Success really is their choice. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Anthony, You make a number of good points but one that I want to comment on is the networking one. This is so valuable for our entire lives. As you say most of us have our jobs as a result of our network. Students need to have some coaching on how important a good network is and how to expand that network as they progress through their careers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Jeff, Good comments about support for students. Your last sentence raises a sad question. Everyone should have someone in the family they can lean on when times are tough and they need support. For many of our students that support is not there. This is so sad because family is something that should be in the lives of us all. When I have students that don't have any family support I work extra hard in trying to be supportive and also find them the resources they need to keep their personal life in balance with being a student. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Juan, From your post comments I can tell you have extensive experience in working with students that come to class with diverse backgrounds. By using your expertise you are able to "read" the students and provide them support or make a referral that will help them find the support they need. This is a critical part of being an instructor and you are doing it well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Hi Jeff, This is what relevant teaching is all about. This really motivates students to keep engaged and focused due to the "take aways" they are getting each day. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Jacqueline, What a great class environment you have. It sounds like it is relaxed fun and on target. Your students know you will support them, that you have high standards and they can benefit from your life experiences. This presents a global approach to teaching that is both effective and efficient. Gary

End of Content