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

Developing Student Rapport

Hi Trevor, Right you are about the need for students to feel comfortable with the instructor. Instructors need to work at earning the respect of their students while creating rapport with them. These connections will help to keep the students engaged throughout the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Kimberlee, This is a good way to increase content retention. Also I am sure the students were more engaged as a result of role playing you all did. Great way to make the course come alive while the students get to see what they will be facing upon graduation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Hi Ashley, Right you are because students need to see alternative deliveries in their learning. This way they can work within their learning preferences but also know how to receive content through other ways. It gives them a greater educational foundation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Hi Gina, I like this approach as well. The students really enjoy hearing stories from their instructors and the ones that are humorous or highlight a mistake that was made are even enjoyed more. This really gets the students engaged in the listening process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Anthony, All of the components you mentioned in your comments are essential for getting a class off to a good start. By knowing this the students can get settled into the course and feel much more at ease because they know they have a supportive instructor. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi James, Good philosophy and approach to working with students on the human side of education. This method shows the students you care but are their instructor so respect needs to be earned from both parties. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Patricia, Good way to show the importance of the having a well developed syllabus. It is core to getting the course off to a good start with everyone having a clear understanding of course expectations. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Hi Marie, This is a student centered approach that illustrates the importance of their training as well as helping the students see the human side of the care they are giving. Good way to make it real for your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Thomas, Good list and one all instructors need to follow so they can have a positive impact on their students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Daniel, I agree about the need for developing soft skills within our students. They are so used to seeing teachers that do not seem to care about their professional appearance or behavior. Our students need to see authority figures as role models so they know what the standard of behavior is for their field. You expressed it well in terms of all that goes into being a model for your career. Gary

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