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

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Ann, I like this approach. You are making it real for your students by bringing in what you have been working on during the day as an example. This shows the students that you are competitive in your field and that if they work hard they can learn so much from you so they to can be successful as graphic designers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Kevin, Good strategy. The more you can involve the students the higher the egagement level will be. Making it real and letting them apply their newly acquired knowledge helps to keep them motivated. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Judy, Good points all on how to reinforce your students. They sometimes forget that all of their instructors are former students themselves. We have all been where they are and as a result of our efforts have been able to get to where we are. So they can see that if they work hard and complete their schooling they have a rich future ahead of them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Denise, Another benefit that comes out of the "human factor" is the development of relationships with students. You get to serve as a model, mentor and reference for your students. They become part of a legacy you create as a result of helping to education the next generation of workers in your career field. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Terry, Well defined. This creates a very clear picture of what a professional educator should look like as they approach the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Hi Jenni, You make a good point about how to react to student feedback. Both positive and negative can help us to become better instructors. We need to take both and look at how the input can be used in course planning and student involvement. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi John, There is a saying that I really like and try to follow. "The beginning of understanding starts with the willingness to listen". This is based upon the comment you made about being willing to listen to student feedback. Listening is one of the key parts of being a successful teacher. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Karen, Good strategies. You are helping to make the connections between the classroom and the real world for your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Susan, Setting a professional tone like you do does much in helping your students to acquire the needed social/soft skills for career success. What you are teaching in the classroom is what they will need in the workplace as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Susan, You are right about each semester and each class being different. I like your method of getting student feedback during the semester so you can adjust your approach should it be needed. Gary

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