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 a Positive First Impression

Hi Ginger, This is so important. Rumors do fly among students and rumors are just what they are rumors. The rumors or "urban legends" about classes and instructors can be reduced once the students are in the class and see the instructor in action. By doing what you mentioned in your forum comments you are showing the students what the course and you are really like rather than what may be "out there on the streets" in terms of rumors. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Luke, Thank you for sharing this example of how you were able to read your students and make adjustments in how you start the course. I am sure that now it is much easier to get your students settled into the course and get the development of rapport started. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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REFOCUS...

Hi Charles, This is a great reflective exercise that would work in any setting. Thanks for sharing it with us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Hi James, This is so important because it reduces the trauma of moving into the real world. If they feel that have a working knowledge of how the real world operates in the culinary arts field they will be more successful when they are actually there. It reduces the deer in the headlights syndrome. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Lee, Sounds like you have hit on a great method of getting students involved in a subject that traditionally has not been high on the student selection list. You've got them out of their seats and solving problems. They are using what they are learning. This helps them to see the relevancy of the content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Peter, Dead on. Great advice for all instructors. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Cheryl, Excellent list that reflects professionalism of the highest degree. Your students are fortunate to have a model upon which the can rely as they develop their own professional persona. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi James, A simple yet critical factor in setting the tone for the up coming course. Instructors cannot overlook how important this is if they are going to be successful in teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi John, You are right on with your comments about neatness and reflecting professionalism with how you present the syllabus. This sends a signal to students that sets the tone for the up coming class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi James, You make a good point. This is my experience as well. I have a separate assignment sheet I hand out in addition to the syllabus. This sheet has the dates, assignments and grading rubrics on it. I also post this sheet on Blackboard so they can look it up online as well. Can't ever have too much information for them as they get started in the course. Gary

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