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 Alona, Well said. By having a clear understanding of the requirements, expectations and polices the students will have a much lower stress level at the beginning of the course. By having both printed and verbal information provided the students can better grasp what the upcoming course is going to be like for them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Alona, In addition to the good points you made in terms of trying to simulate the work environment in the educational setting there is an additional benefit. That is it helps the students to see the relevancy in what they are studying and bridges the gap between school and work. The adjustment process is much less traumatic for the students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Hi Connal, Well said for both groups. Students know what is expected and instructors have can focus on their students rather than having to go over and over the expectations because the students don't understand. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Faith, Good point. President Johnson had a quote hanging in his office that read "If you are talking you are not learning". This applies to instructors as well. We need to listen carefully to what the students are "really" saying so we can offer support when needed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Nancy, You are right about the need for a clear and well developed syllabus. It really does reduce much stress if the syllabus gives the students the expectations, requirements and policies of the course in terms that are easily understood. Then the students can ask any questions they may have and then the learning can begin. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Michael, The corporate world is very demanding as you have indicated and it expects a lot of those that work within so I can understand from where you are speaking. In education I do believe that we need to use all of the "tools" that we can to engage learners in the process of acquiring the knowledge and skills needed for career success. By using different approaches this can be done the students are successful and everyone benefits from their growth. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Larry, Great way to stay current plus expand your expertise as an instructor. With all of these resources you can see the big picture of culinary arts and then select the key components within each area for delivery. This will help the students to see relevancy and application at all points along the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Derrick, What are some strategies that you use to reinforce student responsibility and accountability when you are covering the expectations of the course? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Terrie, This really helps to keep the instruction targeted since you are there and offering instruction based upon what the student has just done. This has a real impact on the improvement of performance and motivation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi David, This approach helps the students to see you in a more holistic frame. By knowing you have had extensive experience in the field plus a life outside of the classroom the students can see how they themselves can have a balanced life if they are willing to invest in themselves through hardwork and study. Gary

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