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

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Lawrence, Well said. By setting the standards for the course clearly in the minds of the students from the very first day you are showing them what is going to come. By reinforcing it throughout the course you are showing them that you believe in what you say and that you are going to hold them to those standards. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Hi Carol, You are right about motivation. When both the instructor and the students are motivated then learning can get really exciting. This is when a lot of "ah-ha" moments occur. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Hi Carol, Great way to bring learning variety to your students. This is what teaching is all about. It lets you use your creativity and personality in the instructional process and the results will be many "ah-ha" moments for you and your students. Happy teaching!!!!! Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Ming-Ning, Great idea. This lets the students see what the expectations are so they are ready to discuss them when they have their first class. This should reduce the number of questions they have about the logistics of the course and increase the questions about course content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Hi Carol, Great to hear how you have adapted your instructional approach to include the students into a welcoming environment and to get them settled into the class. You are on the right path to get your students feeling comfortable and feeling accepted into the course. By keeping in contact with the students and be responsive to their questions you will earn their respect. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Aaon, Your passion and excitement are great assets to use in introducing your course to your students. I commend you for your efforts in showing the students how their courses all fit together to complete a career program. Many times students don't see the big picture of their preparation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Michael, I use this method often in my courses and have had great results with the interaction that the students have with me in giving valuable input for the course. As you know they really like to give this type of input and feedback. This really helps them to become invested in the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Lawrence, You have captured the essence of what teaching adults is all about. By laying out the areas that you have it will be clear to the students exactly what it takes for success in the course. This will really help to get them engaged in the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Dawn, You are right about the need to develop soft skill expertise. If they don't have soft skills they are not going to be successful in their careers. They are going to have to interact with co-workers, customers, etc. They need to know how to interact with all of these individuals and to conduct themselves as professionals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Karen, Good way to show the students that there are a number of different parts of your life. Many times students can only see you in a limited teacher role and by sharing your personal interests, hobbies, or what ever else you are comfortable sharing you are showing them that not only you have different parts to your life but they need to have different parts as well. Gary

End of Content