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

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Abdalla, Great list. At the end of the first class there should be no misunderstanding of how the class is going to operate nor what is expected. This is a great way to start a class. It will reduce much stress and frustration. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Rich, You are dead on with your perception. Instructors instruct in all that they do when working students. They model so many different aspects of conduct that is needed when the students enter their career. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Thomas, Good strategy. This is so important in the health care industry. If you are student centered in your instruction you will be helping the students to be patient centered when they are in the work world. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Hi Martha, Very true. By having this knowledge it reduces stress for everyone. Both students and instructors are more comfortable with knowing the expectations and outcomes of courses. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Keegan, Yes student feedback is important. Without it you are never really sure if you are hitting the instructional target you want to hit. Through feedback you know it. I like to get feedback about activities and assignments throughout the course so I can make an corrections or changes within the current course. This really helps to strengthen the course each time I teach it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Susan, This is a good way of keeping students encouraged and in the course. By building this personal connection you are developing rapport with them. Through rapport you can motivate and challenge them when they start to falter later on in the course. It helps them to care more about their future since you care about their success as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Jason, This is how rapport is build with students. By taking a personal interest in each one you are creating a connection that will serve to motivate the students throughout the course and give you an understanding of where they are coming from if a problem should arise. Great job. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Glen, Good job of using the resources you have in your class, meaning your more experienced students. By having them share their life experiences and insight you are helping to build their self confidence while helping the younger students see what lays ahead for them. This builds a powerful knowledge base for all students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Anthony, Good way of approaching a class. You have balance with what you are planning and delivering to your students. Your method enables all students to succeed if they are willing to put forth the effort and can see their future in what they are learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Rich, I like your statement concerning holding students accountable for what they are learning. They sometimes miss this point. We have the "big desk" meaning we have already graduated and acquired the competencies of our field. They are the ones that are in need to developing their skills and we will help them do that if they put forth the effort. They need to see their effort as being critical to their future and a successful career. Gary

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