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 Kariann, I agree with your thinking on this. Modeling does involve two roles and we instructors need to remember them both as we plan our instruction. We want our students see us as professional educators and professional representatives of our field. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Michele, Congratulations on your success as an instructor. Sounds like your teaching career is off to a good start. You are doing a lot of very positive things to enable you to grow in both content and expertise. Have specific dates and a format for accepting homework. Look at the homework to make sure you are having them do activities that are relevant and have application and then develop a rubric for grading it. The rubric will enable to to zero in on the key areas that you are wanting the students to develop skills in. This should speed… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Nicole, Your students are paying you a great compliment because they value what you are teaching even if it is considered by many as being unnecessary. Your teaching style brings the content alive and thus they start to appreciate your enthusiasm and then the content. This is a win win for everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Damon, What are some ways you give feedback to your students that have been effective? Thanks in advance for your input on this. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Robert, I like this method as well because the students can see in real time the consequences of their work. With proper lighting they have it right with improper lighting they know they have work to do. This shows the relevancy of the content you are offering them as well as skill development. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Hi John, The answer to this question in part is a "it depends" response. It depends on the skill or competency level the students need to achieve for next level success. I am not a good test taker so I would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate my competence by doing a project or assignment. But, I should do it by demonstrating that I know the material in a way that gives me the knowledge base that I need to more forward with my courses or career. I think that extra credit needs to be evaluated on a course by course… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Hi John, I really like this approach. You are slowly bringing the student into the class but in such a way not to put stress on him/her. The fact you build them up by using what they have shared with you as a discussion topic. This shows them that they have something to offer and they then expand their contributions to the class from there. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Glenn, I have experienced the delete factor many times over the years as a teacher. I try very hard to make the content dynamic enough to help them from hitting that button too many times during class. Because as we know if they do at the end of the class they have dropped everything out and are wondering why they can't remember what just occurred. You make a good point. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

Hi Katie, Thanks for sharing this example with us. This just shows what a little competition, group activity and a prize can do for class morale. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Elizabeth, Right you are about the need to focus on students throughout the course. Giving them some attention and encouragement really helps to keep them focused on the course. Yes, they are adults but beneath each adult skin lurks a child that needs encouragement. Gary

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