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

Michael, You make a good point because we can't reach them all. I am always sad when I lose a student that I have worked hard to keep. In the end it really does come down to an individual choice of staying in school or walking away. The good news is that for few that we lose there are so many that make it and return years later telling us about the successes they have had. This is what keeps us coming back to the classroom or lab. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Monir, Good way to help develop their confidence at the beginning of the course. This will help them to work even harder when they are asked to do more difficult work later on in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Crystal, Nothing wrong with having fun while you are teaching. I try to keep in mind that my adult students are really nothing more than tall children. My students like to play games, do activities and case studies. They get really excited when they get to work together and solve common problems in their field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Barbara, This type of enthusiasm goes a long way in helping students to see why they have to learn certain things in a course. They see your passion and then they want to learn what makes you excited about what you are teaching. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Maribeth, So true. Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it goes a long way in "selling" the course to students. We can have fun while we are sharing our content and our excitement will spread to our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

LYDIA, Good way to get to know your students better. You are showing them that you care about them as individuals and that you are there to help them be successful. This places their success within them if they are willing to put forth the needed effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

Jose, Students need to see relevancy and application in what is being taught. The more we can do that the more value students will associate with the course. As you mention practical examples are a great way to do this. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

Michelle, Good strategy because the students have made a major decision to enroll and prepare in a career area. This is big in their lives and they need to see that their instructor is there and willing to help them if they are willing to put in the required effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Bart, This is such an important part of instructional planning. The more you can learn about your students the better because then you can select instructional strategies that will keep them focused and moving forward in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Terry, Yes it does. The more you know about enrollment reasons the more accurately you can target your students with support and content. The results will be more motivated and engaged students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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