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

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Cristina, Yes they are and the more we can incorporate them into our instruction the greater the retention rate is going to be for our students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Hi Mary, So critical but many times not done sufficiently by instructors. With planning comes direction, success and satisfaction. As a result there is not reason for not planning other than it takes time and effort yet the pay off for everyone is tremendous. It is a win win all around. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Rebecca, Good points about the ROI (Return on Investment) for students. If they are going to listen to and learn from radio station WIIFM they are going to have to see they are getting something back from their investment of time and money. The more we can show them this the greater their retention is going to be. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Adrien, Well said. Your comments outline what a model should be for the students as the enter the class for the first time and the days there after. They are getting to study with, learn from and observe a professional from their field. It is critical that this person reflect the standards of the field. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Mindy, Your approach enables the students to apply what they have just been taught through discussion and interaction. This greatly enhances the retention rate for the students. Good approach. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Mindy, Right you are about the all important first impression. There is no reason to have to dig out of a bad situation with a bad situation. By doing what you describe in your forum comments you will have solved the issue of a positive first impression. I just wish other instructors could get a hold of this concept. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Yolanda, Well said. Students do like to be entertained while learning so the more we can engage them the more effective we will be as instructors. Keep the humor flowing. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Yolanda, Good points about the human aspect of teaching. Knowing we care goes a long way with keeping students engaged and retained in the course. Plus, we get the pay off of knowing we have made a difference in their lives. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Don, I agree with your comments about the difference between content and delivery. We have to make our delivery fresh, engaging and motivational if we are going to retain the focus of our students. This is something that instructors sometime overlook when they are preparing for their classes. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Cristina, A well prepared syllabus reduces student frustrations because many of their questions are answered in the content of the syllabus. The syllabus also sets the tone for the class because it outlines the expectations for the course and students are eager to know them. Gary

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