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 Terry, I think this has to be a challenging but very rewarding setting to teach in. When you are in the real world the students can see the consequences of both the positive and negative actions. They gain their skills through trials of fire. Plus, as you say you have great examples to share with your future students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Thomas, With this approach I am sure that you will develop a comfortable setting for the students and start the rapport development process. As you well know these introductions and a positive first class meeting goes a long way in developing a motivated class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Cecilia, Good strategy. I am sure this really gets the students pumped up and feeling that they can accomplish the required work for the course. They have to personalize their learning and you are helping them to do that. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Susan, Good message concerning how to keep the energy level up for the entire course. As you know excitement does rub off and by keeping your excitement throughout the course the students will keep most of theirs as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Timothy, So simple so impacting. It is a novel idea, though one's grade is the result of one's effort. Much like the work world. Hard work and dedication helps individuals to be successful in their careers. This is a point missed by many students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Timothy, Not real clear on your discussion about retention. I believe retention of students is based upon instructors providing support for student learning and the development of rapport with them. By seeing that the instructors care about their success and future a higher number of students will remain in school. The human factor in teaching is a big contributor to the retention of students because of the mutual respect that is developed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Terry, This is a great way of keeping your finger on the pulse of the class and how your students are perceiving the instruction they are receiving. You can redirect or customize as needed when you have this type of feedback. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Timothy, You are right about the need to "read" students and the dynamics of the class each day. By doing so it greatly reduces the challenges you will face concerning managing student behavior and motivation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Steven, A simple statement but so true in every way. By showing that you care the respect and rapport process is being started from the beginning of the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Justin, I don't think you are setting a bad example at all by being a bit relaxed on the first class meeting. I have students coming in at various times because they are trying to find the right room, etc. Being a little lax on this first class meeting shows you have an understanding of their trying to find where they need to be. I make it very clear that I enforce a strict attendance and tardy policy. The policy is explained in the syllabus and in class. I don't have a problem with the students after the first… >>>

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