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

Motivation techniques...

Hi Richard, You make a good point about the Food Network. I was thinking that FN would make teaching in culinary arts easier rather than more challenging since the network shows for the most part the glamour side of food rather than the realism of food prep. With your explanation it makes real sense in terms of the challenges you instructors now face. Thanks for the information. Keep up the good work on inspiring the next generation of chefs. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Amanda, Good way to start a class and make everything clear for your students. The discussion activity is a great way to get to know your students better and find out where they are coming from. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Julie, You have shared with us a very clear picture of a learning environment that is supportive and engaging. By having such an environment you are giving your students an opportunity to focus on the content and the activities surrounding the content rather than distractions within the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Kimberly, Thank you for sharing your approach for encouraging students to get and stay engaged in the learning process. Through their knowledge of your experiences they can see how they can have a career that is rewarding and engaging. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Diane, You make a number of very good points about how to develop respect and rapport with students. The key is caring and you have illustrated that very well with your remarks. You are the critical link between successful completion and dropping out. That cannot be forgotten no matter how busy we get with all our responsibilities as teachers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Richard, The other part of getting to know your students is that the one on one sessions don't all have to occur the first class meeting. By chatting a bit with the students as they come in and get seated you can learn a couple of things about several of the students then during breaks you can chat with a few others, then others during work time, etc. Before long you will have talked with each student individually and gotten a snap shot of how they see themselves fitting into the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Robert, You have a very comprehensive approach to getting your students started in a new course. I include information about the expectations, requirements, and policies in my syllabus but like you give my students an additional handout with details on the assignments. I have found this to be more effective in getting them to zero in on the assignments and to meet the course deadlines. Has this been your experience as well? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi DJ, Correct. The closer you can replicate the setting the students will be working in the easier it is going to be to maintain the standards of the industry and help the students bridge the gap between school and work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Dianne, This is a great approach. Low pressure because it really isn't the first day of class but informative since they get the course information. I am sure the first day of class is very positive since much of the nerves have been taken out due to the orientation meeting the previous Thursday. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Ginny, Yes, they will. If they don't the food isn't going to be good and the kitchen will go broke. The idea of the "aha" moments is what keeps instructors in the classrooms. Keep up the good work with your students and their math concepts, it is critical even if they don't think so at times. Gary

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