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

Developing Student Rapport

Hi Robert, I can remember the same thing happening to me. I recall clearly my fourth grade teacher was buying canned peas for her family. I thought that was so strange that a teacher would be buying canned peas. I really didn't think teachers ate food, had families or struggled with the same life issues that we all do. Students need to see that their instructors are all former students themselves so they understand the challenges that the students are facing. In other words, we all have been there just as they are now. It wasn't easy then and it… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Nitin, You have a very comprehensive approach to keeping your finger on the pulse of your class. By using the different input sources you know if you need to explain a key point or help your students with clarification. This is a good way to reduce frustration on the part of students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Oriole, Something that might work in your setting that I have used is a structured outline over the text content. I assign a chapter or portion of a chapter for the next class. I give the students a structured outline that I want them to complete before the next class meeting. I give the professional points for completing the outline. What the structured outline is a list of the key points that I want the students to pick up on. Under each key point are some questions or sentences with blanks for words. The students go into the chapter… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Sayida, Several that I have found to be helpful are: www.VisualThinkingStrategies.org www.ion.uillinois.edu/resources/tutorials/pedagogy/instructionalstrategies.asp www.facultyfocus.com/tag/advice-to-online-instructors Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Patti, I agree. Rapport with students is very important for a number of reasons. One of those is respect. They will respect an instructor with whom they have rapport and have build a connection. Also, rapport helps them to create a network of connections among the class members and yourself. This form of networking can assist them later on when they are looking for a position or need a letter of recommendation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Toral, This is a very good point. By making your expectations and polices clear your students know what the requirements are but they also know they have an instructor that cares about their success. This way they can develop rapport with you and with that rapport comes respect for each other. This way they can grow as professionals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Michael, My response has been to give them just that. I have lectures prepared that last 15-20 minutes and then I do an activity, discussion, case study, etc. Then back to the content with additions lecture. Since I teach from 4 until 10 p.m. I have to keep changing pace to keep the students engaged and awake. It is hard work but I have my course paced to the point that I can offer them variety in sufficient amounts that keep them focused on the course content while making applications to their career plans. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Elizabeth, You are inspiring your students through listening and support. They know you want them to be successful and you are showing them that they can be as illustrated by your own college experience. This is what motivates students to keep trying in spite all the everyday challenges that come up in their lives. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Michael, With this approach your students can see application in a number of different ways and settings. This is what makes the content come alive. Before they know it they are going to be using math they never felt comfortable with before in their everyday lives because you have reduced the fear factor for them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Brandy, You are right about how important the first day of class is for both the students and the instructor. This sets the tone for the upcoming course sessions. What are some of the concerns you hear being expressed by students the first class meeting? Gary

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