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

Reasons for Enrolling

Karlee, Very true and this is why it is so important to know as much as you can about your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Uzma, A first impression is the foundation upon which perceptions about the rest of the course is built. It needs to be a positive one so the students will look forward to future learning opportunities in the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Uzma, Having such an environment is valuable to students because it helps to ease them into their work situations since they will have experienced and learned in a setting that reflects their work world. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Ron, It is so important as you mention that the students understand via goals and objectives where the course is going. Once that is establish then progress can be made with the collaborative learning process and this is where personal growth is realized by the students. Thank you for laying this our for us. I know it will be of help to other instructors, especially those just starting their teaching careers. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Richard, Personal discipline seems to be lacking in many of the students that enroll in our schools today. I encounter it all the time with my students. They don't want to invest the time or effort to "think" through a problem and come up with viable solutions. It takes effort to slow them down and help them see the value of a comprehensive approach to critical thinking and the pay off that will come from it. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Jerry, Listening is a powerful connecting tool for instructors to use. As you mention you have learned how to listen to your students and then respond to their questions and concerns. By listening you are showing them respect and this is critical if trust is going to be developed in a class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Joe, Thank you for the points you have made in this forum. You hit upon a number of elements needed for success as an instructor, one of the most important being the human factor. The human factor helps to create a connection with students upon which respect is earned and rapport is developed. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Jodie, A very comprehensive approach to take in your instructional planning. This way you are reaching out to the students as well as internalizing how you can better deliver your content. This sets up an educational environment that will support all types of learners as well as deliver focused content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Jerry, Your last sentence really captures what we need to be about as instructors. We are dealing with human beings that need our support and leadership. If we provide these two items then it is up to them to provide the effort needed to acquire the competencies and information essential for career success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Karen, This is such a good point and one the students need to get a hold of and understand. It is their future that is at stake so they must assume responsibility and make that future happen. They cannot sit back and because they paid tuition expect to get an A, they must earn their grade. This is at times a difficult concept to get across to them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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