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

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Dorothy, Relevancy and application are two essential ingredients needed for teaching and learning success. Your point about application is a good one and we need to remember it as we prepare our instruction. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Monir, So true and such an important part of the support we provide out students. If the student with a disability is willing to put forth the effort needed for success then I will try to provide the necessary accommodations to facilitate that success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Monir, Earning the respect and trust of students right from the beginning of a new class is very important. You make a good point about the need for a positive environment in the classroom so the students will feel comfortable as they enter. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Sean, Thank you for these two additional characteristics. They definitely are needed if critical thinkers are going to be successful. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Dana, The WHY is so critical so you can make the connection with students. Yours is a good point about the value of having good rapport with them so you can provide the support that is needed at the right time. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Dorothy, I teach six sections of the same course so I can really relate to your comments. Yes, we have to work to keep our interest up in courses we have taught before. I try to introduce something different in each course so I get excited as the students as to how the new assignment and/or activity is going to turn out. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Dana, Two way respect once developed is the foundation for rapport. It is such a great feeling to have rapport with students and know that you are helping them to move closer to their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

Dana, Humor is an essential teaching tool. Without I'm not sure where most of us instructors would be. A shared laugh goes a long way in helping to develop rapport with a student as well as helping that student to see that he or she can share with the instructor issues that may be bearing down upon them and their ability to stay in school. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Dana, This is such an important bit of information to have. The example you mention is a powerful one since you are able to keep this student in school through reminding her why she is there. You are not only helping her but hopefully helping her children once they see how successful mom can be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Bethany, Stories are the connection students need to see between the course content and where they will be upon graduation. Keep sharing those stories because they increase the value of the course to the students and help them move closer to their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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