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.

Activity

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Robert, Well said. The idea of REFOCUS is just as you outlined it. It gives us an opportunity to motivate ourselves in relation to our subject matter and students. We can get our creative juices flowing once again and try something new. This really helps with excitement about our work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Cheri, Correct. This is "reading" the pulse of the class so you can do what it takes to keep everyone and everything on moving forward. Plus through listening you will show the students your concern for their success which leads to the development of rapport with them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Steven, The items you mentioned are very important because as an instructor you need to know what your college is promoting in relation to student retention. Everyone needs to be going in the same direction or the results are not going to be that good. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Jennifer, Well said. By being confident you project an image that sets the students at ease and helps them to respect you and what you are trying to do. This will facilitate getting the course off to a good start to be benefit of everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Estella, This is so important and it sets the tone for the upcoming classes. This first class meeting needs a prepared and organized instructor ready take charge and be the instructional leader. By doing this the job of teaching will be much easier. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Jennifer, Good strategy because by creating such a connection you are giving them a picture of the future. When they get worn down by life and the efforts of going to school seeing the potential they have for the future will get them ramped up again. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Steven, In addition, knowing the characteristics of the students enables you to "read" student needs more effectively. This will allow you to customize the course for the students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Kathy, You are right clear expectations help to set the tone for the class. Stress is reduced for the students if they have a clear idea of what they are going to have to do to be successful in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Carroll, The syllabus is the guide that shapes the direction of the course and provides students with the map for the course. A well developed syllabus just as you say helps the students get comfortable with the upcoming course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Robert, Thank you for those comments about benefiting from knowing student characteristics. You are right on with your analysis of the how this knowledge can enhance your teaching. Gary

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