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

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Linda, The constant feedback and bouncing off of ideas and information is essential in the learning process. This is why we have instructors instead of machines. You make a very good point about how your students like the lectures and feedback sessions. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Linda, Good suggestions about how you conduct your classes and how you get students involved in the learning process. The feedback evaluations can be of great help in making courses better each time they are taught. Thanks for sharing. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Shanel, Good approach to helping your students to complete their projects on time. Small steps and supporting timelines help you to help them complete their projects. I have found that using this method reduces student frustration and stress, plus the projects get completed. Thanks for your ideas. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Linda, You make a number of very good points about how you approach your students and course. You are doing a number of things that I am sure contribute to effective and efficient instruction. What do you think are some of the most effective instructional techniques that you use? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Shanel, By seeking input from your students you will be able to resolve emerging issues and make modifications as needed to keep the course moving forward. You made a number of very good points about communication needs for both the instructor and students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Nancy, You covered a number of very good points in your forum response. One thing you mentioned (the development of soft skills) is critical. As you say many students have not had "soft skills" modeled for them so they aren't really sure how to react to discussions and group idea sharing. They need help with listening and showing respect. Instructors should try and build into their instruction different opportunities to develop not only specific skills but career (soft) skills as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Shanel, You hit upon a main point of teaching, the needs of students. By knowing their learning characteristics you are able to help them in a more effective and efficient way. Well said. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Nancy, Exactly! Well stated. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Dr. Stover, Well developed plan of progression for your students. Isn't fun to see how they progress and sometimes they don't even know it. Then one day they do something quite advanced and are surprised at how far they have come. This is what keeps most instructors excited about being in the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Dr. Stover, I like your approach. By keeping feedback coming in from students you can keep on "top" of issues and concerns that students might have. You can also make course corrections as needed if you have your finger on the pulse of the class. You make a very key point. What are some of the ways you address "ligitimate" complaints? Example--through individual discussions, groups feedback. What have you found to be the most effective way of getting this information? Gary

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