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

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Eric, Good strategy. You have to have some flexibility on your instructional plans or you will get frustrated when things don't go as planned. Your frustration then spreads to the students and before long no one is happy so make changes as needed and keep the students informed about them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Steve, With marginal students I try to provide as much support as I can as the instructor. I also try to hook them up with the Student Services office to get tutoring help or any other help they might need. They have to meet the minimum requirements of my course or they don't pass. I talk with them individually and explore ways that they can meet these requirements. Generally together we can identify ways that they can be successful in the course if they will put forth the effort. They appreciate my concern for their success and really try… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Beth, One of the methods I use to help them to see the big picture and how they need to work toward their long term goals is to have successful graduates come in and talk to them. They love guest speakers and when my graduates talk about sitting where they are and how the course sequence fits together to create a course of study the students really get fired up. I invite those graduates that are dynamic and motivated so they get my students ramped up as well. It is a great experience for all. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Eulalia, Right you are about helping to connect the content of your course to the future of your students. They need to see the reason you are teaching what you are and how it applies to their career preparation. When you help them see this connection their motivation levels will rise. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Heather, I wish my students had taken your course before they get to mine. I teach upper level courses and the quality of writing I get for the most part is very weak. They don't understand how this reflects on them in the application process. Their resumes will go straight across the HR person's desk if they contain poor grammar and misspellings. You are teaching an essential course and the more you can show application and relevancy the greater value this course will have to the students, even though I understand how hard it is to convenience them of… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Lisa, This is a great way to show students relevance and application. By meeting and hearing from former students the current students can see how they can be successful and this leads to increased motivation. A win win for everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Barbara, I really like the way you wrapped up your forum comments with the last sentence. This is so true and the students need to realize that from the very beginning of their educational journey. You are there to help and support but they have to put forth the effort and with that effort will come success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Connie, You are helping the students to "connect the dots" with your approach. They start to see how what you have done in your career has positioned you to do what you are doing now. This helps to motivate them to complete their studies so they can progress in their careers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Tracy, You are right in your statement about needing to be excited about teaching your area. Enthusiasm spreads just as does disinterest. So spread the excitement and enjoy the results that come from having motivated students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Hi Connie, This is very true. By knowing you have been where they are now and that you have extensive experience in the field you then become a resource to them that they didn't know they had. This really helps with the development of rapport as well. Gary

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