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

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Richard, What are some of the things that you do to create a supportive and comfortable learning environment in your setting? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Jeff, You make a number of excellent points about student retention. It all boils down to personal attention for that student. He or she knows someone cares about their success. As you say we need to be on the lookout for ways we can encourage retention. If we have a variety of techniques in our "tool kit" then we will know how and when to use them as the need arises. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Blaik, We can always learn from others if we have an open mind and observe what they are doing. I commend you for your professional development idea of observing from others, this will help you to grow in your abilities and expertise. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Stacey, The idea of observing other instructors is a good one. It is always a learning experience when you are watching someone else work. What are some of the things you might be looking for when you watch another instructor? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Byron, You are very right about the impact teachers have on the lives of students. We must always strive to be positive consistent and supportive. To do less is not professional. This means we also have to be truthful when talking to students about issues and performance. I wish you much success in your teaching and the impact you have on the lives of your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Manju, I commend you for your use of the many different ways of reinforcing what your students need to learn. Anytime you can show the material in a different format you are helping to get the knowledge stored in the working memory of your students. Good job. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Stephen, Great example of the impact a teacher has on the lives of his or her students. Yes, the key is to find the key to their learning and them help them open the door to their knowledge and skill development. I am excited at how excited you are in helping your students to do this. This is what has kept me in education for over thirty years. The thrill of discovery is never lost as I start a new class. I wish you the very best in your teaching career. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Roy, Getting to know the needs of students is a must for instructors. What are some techniques that you use to help you to "read" your students so you can assist them with their learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Paul, Good idea for using your student resources. By having the students help each other and exchanging ideas the students are getting not only your experience but the experience of other students as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Joel, Good professional development idea about observing other instructors. I would suggest that as you are observing them that you jot down some notes of what you are seeing so you can take those ideas back to your classroom/lab. Also, you might want to observe instructors in areas in fields different from yours so you can concentrate on their delivery and not the content. This method allows you to see their instructional styles in a different light. Gary

End of Content