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 Human Factor in Retention

Hi Dolores, Good point about the need for interaction by students with other students. These interactions can lead to life long connections and networks that will help careers move forward. So the instructor connection is important but as you say just as important are the student connections. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Ida, This is so important and your point is well made. The more we can extend the feeling of support to our students the greater their comfort levels will be. When they are feeling at ease and included they don't think about dropping out. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Tanya, Good point. Often times the instructor makes the difference between bolting for the door and staying to learn more about the class. For non-traditional students it is generally traumatic for them going back to school anyway so they are looking for a friendly face and a supportive instructor. We need to be such instructors to those students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Hi Kim, What a great idea. I hadn't thought of that side of accounting but when you mention it you caught my attention as well. Knowing something about accounting in the CJ world would be so helpful considering all the different types of crimes that involve accounting. Thanks for sharing. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Betty, Good point about how to show the students you care about their success. This is what good teaching is all about. Student rapport increases the completion rate because students know someone they respect cares about their success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Mario, Good point and one that needs to be reinforced frequently. The first impression sets the tone for the class so it is much easier to teach a class if the students are excited about the content and have an instructor that is enthusiastic. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi John, Good point. The instructor needs to show the students the value of the syllabus and why it is important to their course success. If the instructor doesn't see value in it for sure the students won't. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Hi John, Good point and one all of us instructors need to remember each time we enter the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Jan, You are going the right thing in reaching out to such students. The personal attention can really help in you getting to know them better and they realizing that you care about their success. Also, you are doing a good job of helping to expand your instructional abilities by being observant and striving to offer variety to your students, like the choices option you offered them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Martha, I love having teachers like your sister. These types of educators can make any topic interesting and engaging. We all need to strive to develop this ability and expertise. Gary

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