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

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Chuck, I agree with your statements and position. We, educators need to reflect the field we are sharing with our students as well as model what is proper dress and conduct. I to am dismayed at many of my colleagues and how they present themselves. Then they complain about the lack of respect of student today. Yes, there are some issues there but for the most part if you present yourself as a professional you will be treated as such. Keep up your effort to illustrate standards for you students at all of your different educational endeavors. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Marianne, The key is to be responsive to the messages you are getting from your students while keeping the course on target. You have found that you can do that and adapt as you have done while remaining an effective instructor. Good job. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Rachael, Good points. Our former professors can help us shape our own instructional style. By looking at how they influenced us we can determine how much we want to be like or different from them and build our identity around that. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Bryan, The motivational aspects can include guest speakers or successful graduates. They really motivate students as well as challenge them to be successful. This way you have kept the course moving forward and haven't reduced the class to just an entertainment session. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Kara, This is not uncommon due to the difference between the two worlds in which you have worked and gained experience. The key is to strive to find such a balance and you are doing that. I know you will be able to find and adapt your style in such a way that the needs of your students will be met. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Dan, Prompt feedback is so important to students. It lets them know where they are in terms of their course progress as well as what areas they need to work on. Thanks for bringing this point up. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Henry, Well said about excitement and enthusiasm. If you bring it to the class is will spread. This is what makes teaching fun when you get students engaged in the learning process and you can see it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi John, Well said. Thank you for sharing this approach with us. Your last statement is true for many of us. Even when students don't try we still feel sad when one of them fails. By setting the stage the way you do you are giving them the opportunity to be successful. They are going to have to work to fail based upon the supports you are giving them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Leo, All great ways to set the tone for a class that the students will appreciate because they know the instructor has prepared for upcoming class and is ready to teach. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Hi Michael, I teach 6 hour evening courses that are theory in content. What I do is to move the students around, meaning we do small groups, team work, etc.. The process of moving from one part of the room to another is enough to get them refreshed and thinking about the next part of the course. So it doesn't have to be anything major just a "cognitive break" that lets their mind relax a bit and then reengage in the learning mode. Gary

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