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

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Robert, You make a good point about getting to know something about the students as you start a new course. The more you know about them the more you can focus your instructional delivery to meet their needs and customize their learning experiences. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Larry, You make a key point about the development of a syllabus. It has to be a document that students will understand and use. I can only imagine what would have happened with the professor that had the excessive syllabus if something occurred that wasn't covered in the syllabus. As you know an instructor has to be flexible and a syllabus may need to be changed based upon the dynamics of the class or other situations. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Hi Michelle, Great story. Thanks for sharing it with us. The key thing is that he did something about it. I have potential students talk with me all the time about how they hate their jobs, have no future, etc., etc.. When I ask them what they are going to do to change that they say nothing. They aren't willing to put forth the effort, time and money to change their lives. They just want to complain. I admire students like him and others who get it done. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Jennifer, You are on the right track with your thinking and planning. In spite of the subject content being dry you are thinking of ways to make it interesting and engaging. This is the sign of a dedicated professional educator and I commend you for your attitude and effort. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Michelle, What a great way to start a new class. It is fun, the students get to know each other better and they have learned something. This sets the stage for a very successful course and increases the motivation level from the beginning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Student Feedback

Hi Stacey, Well said. Without it you are hoping to improve your instructional delivery, with it you can target your improvement areas so you will know that you are on target to help your students learn more effectively. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Hi Marcus, Well said. Students preparing to enter a career area are looking for role models. They need to see a dedicated ethical and well prepared person leading them through their instructional efforts. By being that role model you are showing them what they can accomplish with hard work and dedication. Thank you for the great comments. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Hi Michael, Good comments on how to bring educational reform to the classroom. Customized and direct instruction is a powerful tool for doing just what you have outlined. This student centered approach will increase the retention of students as well as increase their satisfaction with their education. It is as you said a "win-win" for everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Meredith, Something that I have done with my online courses is to get the students to share their own stories about situations or problems they have encountered in our career area. This way they are helping to shape the direction the course is taking through their input. I use a lot of case studies so the students get to problem solve how to resolve the situation in the case study. This generates a lot of excitement and keeps the students engaged. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Hi Kathy, This is a great strategy. You have made a bit of a game plus problem solving session out of your case studies. The title is great as well. The students are having their interests engaged because they want to know the the blooper was and what happened next. Way to go in getting your students focused and using their newly acquired knowledge. Gary

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