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

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Susie, This is a quiet simple approach that enables the students to share with you as they desire so you have a better understanding of their situation. Plus, they know you are supportive of them and their future. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Ann, With your statement about the love of your field and learning you have set the stage for teaching success. I know that your students really benefit from your excitement for the field and your care about their success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Tanya, You are right about setting the tone for the class from the very first meeting. It is so much easier to build on a positive first impression than to try and dig out of the hole with a negative one. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Christine, Good communication strategy. This way your students know you are always available to them and that you want them to contact as needed. I know this really helps to reduce their stress as they work their way through the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi David, Well said. You make a number of good points about the impact that teachers have on the retention and success of students. We already know it but we need to be reminded of it at times. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Nancy, Great plan for keeping the excitement up and refocused. Thanks for sharing. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Chris, This sets a standard for the students and this is very important. Once they know the standard they can operate within it since it is clear for them. Also the standard is set by the industry and you are holding them to that standard so they will be able to fit into that industry. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi James, Develop some basic activities that will give students the opportunity to have success. I have found that those that are uncertain about their abilities after being out of school for a long period of time will develop self confidence very quickly once they have some success. I use these activities at the start of a new class so they have success early and this really helps them to get settled into the course and feel that they can do the work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Shirley, Well said. This is an excellent professional development plan. The results will be more effective and efficient instruction and enhanced learning for students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Gena, Good strategy. This is how instructors can get their classes off to a good start. Gary

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