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

Arlene, Right you are about the support element. Often instructor support and encouragement is the difference between staying in or leaving school. Our students frequently have challenges outside of the classroom that really impact their ability to stay in school. Knowing they have instructor support helps them to see that they can continue in school and move toward their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Ellen, Being supportive, available and professional really helps students to get settled into a new course. Knowing that they can develop a relationship with their instructor and he or she will provide them with needed supports if they will put forth the needed effort goes a long way in retaining a student in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Kevin, Games are a lot of fun and I use them frequently when we are reviewing for a quiz. My students get very competitive very quickly plus they realize that they really know more than they think they do when they start answering the questions in our Jeopardy game. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Sarah, Good ideas of how to get students involved and comfortable in a new course. These simple things really help to get students settled into a new course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Kevin, I think it is as well. Students catch on to our energy and make it a part of themselves. This is what makes teach a lot of fun. I love it when I know I have nailed it and I got my students all pumped up and excited as they exit the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Casey, Right you are. It is for sure that if students perceive their instructor is just going through the motions they will in turn tune out in relation to that course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Dawn, I agree. We need to bring both of these elements to our classes each time we meet with students. Enthusiasm spreads quickly so we need to "sell" our excitement about our field to your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Kevin, Glad that the information was of value to you. You have a strong experience base already so you are building on your expertise to expand your competencies as an instructor. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Kellie, Good advice to share. Thanks. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Ellen, Good strategy to follow because it benefits both the student as well as you the instructor. One of the major payoffs as an instructor is the relationship you can build with students and help them to move forward with their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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