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

REFOCUS...

Hi James, Mid-course wear down is common. It is at this time you need to bring out your very best engaging and dynamic class activity to catch the attention of your students. You might even organize a little competition to review the covered course content. Anything to vary the pace a bit and get the students excited about the upcoming course subjects. I put together teams and we do Jeopardy playoffs. The students get a change of pace and we are reviewing the course content. Then we have some pizza and move to the next section of the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Kevin, I am sure you do. As chair it is your job to be the team leader and I am sure at times this can be frustrating when you see instructors that are not giving it their best each time they teach. By recognizing it and then offering them opportunities to be re-energized and excited about what they are teaching you can be of a great service not only to the instructors but to the students as well. The students will get to see focused dedicated instructors as their role models and it results from your encouragement and support.… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi James, Good point. By explaining the expectations and outcomes and then having the students layout theirs it is easy to see how both you and them are going in the same direction. This should really help with getting the course off to a good start and the students seeing how they are going to fit into the class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Herb, You make a good point about your students remembering the little enjoyable things they did in class. Sometimes we instructors forget the impact we are having on the students. They are our legacy and the next generation in our field. We need to do everything we can to prepare them to excel upon graduation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Catherine, You have a well defined approach to laying out the course and showing the students how they are going to benefit from your instruction. I really like how you support your students through being available and tutoring. I am sure this really helps the students to become engaged in the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Tracy, What are the most useful parts of student surveys in relation to your instructional improvment? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Nicholas, Good point. You need to continue to emphasize the importance of the syllabus. It is a document that is an agreement between you and your students. Within it can be the course requirements, polices and expectations. By walking the students at the beginning of course they can see what is going to transpire in the coming weeks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Emilio, Respect for students as professionals and providing them with "real world" opportunities are both great ways to help them make the transition from the school to work. This will build their confidence and self esteem. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Nicholas, The team approach to learning is a very important. By being not only the instructor but also the facilitator and coach you are offering instructional support in a number of different ways for your students. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Emilio, Being friendly and accessible is very important in setting the tone for the class. You are showing your students that you care about their success and want to be a part of their future by offering them relevant content each time the class meets. Gary

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