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.

Activity

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Mona, Good point about the physical aspects of a teaching environment. The setting is important so we need to be aware of how students see it and then make changes it in it if we can to make it more comfortable for them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Beth, This idea lets you step down a bit and enjoy your role as an educational leader. You are helping students to achieve their career goals and you are doing so by helping them in a number of different ways. So you don't have to be all knowing all the time but can direct them to where they can learn more about what interests them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Wendy, Right you are. Feeling accepted and supported gives the confidence students need to move forward in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Jonathan, This is so true. Students like to hear about these types of experiences because it gives them a clearer picture of what they will encounter when they are out there. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Jonathan, Good point. The saying is accurate and needs to be followed by us educators. Be clear in expectations and your students will be able to meet your requirements. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Ann, Good point about the need to bring variety into the classroom so the students can make the new knowledge and skills a part of their working memory. When they do this they are truly engaged and progressing as students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Hi Jan, Well said. Feedback can be extremely helpful is we look at it in a big picture way and decide how we are going to improve our instruction as a result of it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Hi Jan, Good point about reaching out to students. Helping to see you, the instructor as a caring and supportive educator, is very beneficial to students and their success. This is what rapport is all about. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi George, Good approach. Also, I enjoy working one on one with students because I get to know them better and as a result I can provide more targeted support to them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Amanda, Right you are about the adult students having goals for themselves and their future. The more help you can provide them in moving toward that goal the higher the student retention rate is going to be. By seeing application and relevancy to their studies they are able to more clearly see their career goals. Gary

End of Content