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

Your Instructional Style

Hi Glenda, Another strength to what you are doing with the textbook with the questions being asked at the end of the session is that it shows to the students the importance you place on the text. Many instructor just assign the chapters in the text and never refer to it again. If the content is important then by referring to it and using in various reinforces to the students that they need to be reading it and keeping current on the assignments. Keep up the good work. You are doing a great job of providing variety in instruction for… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Glenda, Variety and pacing are two key ingredients for reaching younger students. You have a very clear idea of how that is to be done and I know your students will be able stay engaged and focused on their learning with this approach. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Glenda, Good idea. Bullet points are a good way to get the students focused on key points. They know what you consider to be important and essential for their success in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Marina, I really like your approach. You are placing yourself in a position of showing the students that you not only can talk about the subject but you can do it as well. The competition component is a great one as well. Almost everyone likes to see if they can "beat" the master. This gives them a goal to strive for. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Maria, Well said. By showing yourself as an experienced human being that cares about the success of students you will be setting yourself up in a position where you can earn the respect of your students and develop rapport with them in the process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Sean, Yes, both of the suggestions will work. The small quiz can be set up to be a fun activity and a form of a ice breaker to allow the students to have fun and get to know each other better. At the end of the quiz activity you then could have a Q&A activity to wrap up the introduction section of the syllabus and course requirement discussion. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Michael, What a great story. You were all set to know what to expect when you stepped into the classroom. Not many people have that opportunity. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Ivette, Learning about the career goals of your students and their reasons for coming to the college is essential so you know how to approach them. As situations arise you can support them when needed. How do you go about learning about your students, do you use ice breakers, introductions, information cards, etc.? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Mary, I commend you for all of your preparation. By keeping the students informed of expectations and their progress in the course you reduce the concerns that students may have about their status in the class. Also, by them knowing the policies for the course they know the consequences of not doing the work, or being absent, etc. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Patrick, Personal praise for doing something well is so powerful for students. Those marginal students that may be ready to quit will thrive on praise once they realize that you really do want them to succeed. Through instructional support and personal encouragement you will have a major impact on their lives and career future. Gary

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