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

Increasing Student Retention

Hi Laura, This is a good point about early student contact. When entering a new setting have a name or a voice to connect with is so important to help an individual to get settled into their new environment. They know they have someone they can call on should they need assistance. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Anne, I agree with you concerning the use of humor in the classroom. People like to laugh and though laughter there is a release that occurs in the brain. A laugh in effect is a mini-break in the learning process, yet the laugh can be targeted to the subject being discussed. You mentioned sanitation as being a boring topic that can generate laughs. I would imagine that you have many many examples of sanitation issues that can generate a laugh, make a point and allow the students to make progress in their learning. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Hi Jose, I use the Legos exercise to help my students to learn how to work together on problem solving, social interaction and global or big picture understanding. I purchased the smallest set of Legos available. This way the students are not overwhelmed with all the pieces. I break the students up into work groups of 3-6 members depending on class size. Then I give the assignment out for the exercise. I have them construct a moving object that will incorporate all of the objects in the packet.(I put each Lego set into a zip lock bag). Five minutes into… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Glenna, Good point about relevancy. The students have to see the relevancy of what they are studying or they are going to lose interest very quickly. The other word I use a lot is application. I want the students to make immediate use of newly acquired knowledge. This is what application is all about and it really helps to keep the students motivated. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Luis, Exactly right. The transition from school to the work world is difficult enough without having to totally adjust to the new setting. By having classes and labs that simulate the work setting this transition will be much easier for the students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Pamela, You have a very good perspective in terms of how an instructor can be the class leader and demonstrate professionalism through interaction with the students. They need to know their instructor cares and is there to support them if they will put forth the effort. This is how respect, rapport and acceptance is developed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Scott, You should feel very good with the results you have achieved with your students. You had an impact on them and their careers as evidenced by the emails you are still receiving from them to this day. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Anne, Thank you for sharing this example of how an instructor can set the tone for the class and then get positive results from that tone setting. Your students reflected your excitement about the field even though the classes you taught were more lecture than the typical hands-on classes they were used. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Kimberly, An instructor plays a number of roles and one of them can be a cheerleader for the course and for the students. Excitement is catching and we need to remember that each time we enter the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

Hi Kathleen, You make a very good point about getting to know your students. Without this knowledge an instructor is unable to reinforce and support the learning needs of the students in the ways they need to be supported. Gary

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