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

Reasoning as a Resource

Russell, You make a number of good points about how the sequence of problem solving should evolve. Your first sentence says it all. "Think about it." By thinking about the problem and using reflective processing solutions can be found. People who can do this are the ones that employers are looking for. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Brenda, This is an important part of our instructional planning process. We need to know how to reach different learning preferences as we encounter them in our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Kathleen, You are so right about constant communication. Students have selective memories anyway when it comes to due dates for projects and quizzes. By keeping these dates and related information in front of them on a regular basis they will be able to keep up with the requirements and not feel overwhelmed. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Kathleen, Respect is the foundation for rapport. You have it outlined exactly in terms of how important it is to earn the respect of your students while showing them respect. This sets the stage for successful learning. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Kathleen, As the learning leader you certainly do wear many different hats. This is the human side of being an educator and we need to work at fulfilling this role as well as the role of sharing knowledge. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Michael, Like your approach to professional development. The learning from both the best and the worst is a great way to find your own instructional style. I think every situation in which we find ourselves can be a learning experience if we want it to be. I suffered through so very BAD classes with terrible instructors but I felt since I was paying my own way through college that I was going to be in every class every day. The result was that I learned not only content but also ideas about how I could be a better instructor. Gary… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Kathleen, Right you are. Students like variety in their learning and the use of different instructional methods helps them to stay engaged while getting to learn via their learning preferences. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Martin, Good strategy to follow with your students. This way they know you have an awareness of their situation and learning environment. This is an important connection to make with the students because this forms a foundation for understanding on the part of everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Donald, This is so important because in gen ed courses it is easy for the students to dismiss the classes because they don't see any value to them. The more application of the core competencies the greater the engagement will be on the part of the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Martin, The first class meeting is the foundation upon which the course is built so it needs to be a positive one just as you say. Through introductions and ice breakers the students can get to know each other and get settled into the class. This sets the stage for the upcoming sessions and the engagement of the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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