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

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Paul, Well said and so important. The human factor is why we are in teaching in the first place. So the more we can reach out and show an interest in our students the greater our connection to them is going to be. This helps with both respect and rapport to key ingredients for successful teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Joel, Two things are important based upon your comments. The what's in it for me, WIIFM and the return on investment, ROI. By knowing both of these things the students are going to be engaged and focused in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Jennifer, Good point. If you bring enthusiasm to the classroom you have already set a positive tone for the students and the content of the course. Then it build from there. It is a win win for everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Gerald, Good point about the syllabus being a road map. This way everyone, both students and instructor will know when they have arrived at their "destination". Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Jamie, Good point. This is one of the big values to a well prepared syllabus. Having a clear understanding of the expectations, polices and requirements of the course really helps students to feel comfortable with how the course is going to proceed and what it takes to be successful. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Annette, So true. The syllabus reduces confusion and helps students to get settled into the course. There is comfort knowing what the expectations are and how the course will proceed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Joel, This is what being a dedicated instructor is all about. Being able to modify instruction so it is targeted is a great asset to have. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Joel, Right you are and something all instructors need to keep in mind. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi George, Good question. What I do is to reform groups throughout the course so that the students get to know other students as well as have the opportunity to work with others. This way I get to even out the groups so if I have a stalling group it will soon be resolved and a new one created. I do wait until a specific assignment is completed so the students can anticipate the groups being changed rather than seeing the new groups being formed as a result of poor performance. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Richard, Good point. This creates a great opportunity for developing rapport with students which leads to enhanced learning and retention. Gary

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