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

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Tamika, Humor is one of the most valuable teaching tools an instructor can bring to the classroom. Sharing a light moment and a laugh really helps students to reset their minds and focus on the content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Dawn, You make a very good point about the need to be prepared. It is relaxing to know you are ready to teach when the class starts. The use of humor to engage students is an important teaching tool that you bring to the class each day. Having passion for your field and enthusiasm for teaching are two great ways to get the attention of your students and be the learning leader you need to be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Katina, Good point about being prepared when you present to your class. The confidence that comes from knowing you are ready to share with your students is powerful as you establish yourself as the learning leader. Thank you for sharing this perspective with us. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

John, Good way to cross walk information in a logical and sequential way for your students. By providing information this way you are enabling your students to develop their own format for reflective thinking which leads to targeted problem solving. This is a win win for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Maureen, Like your approach to providing support to your students. By them knowing you are available to talk to really encourages them to approach you and discuss what ever issue they may have in the course. The sharing of real world examples and experiences validates the content being offered. The students start to see the relevancy of what you are sharing and how know this information moves them closer to their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

James, This is such a good point. The easiest thing to do is quite and students will take that option if they feel they do not have support. By stepping in and giving them encouragement you are helping to keep them in the course and moving closer to their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Mahmoud, Thank you for sharing this personal example of the impact an instructor can have on a student. Your professor helped you to realize that you could be successful in the class and that influence is still being felt as you work with your own students. Keep up the good work. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

David, Your comments are right on in terms of reminding us educators that we need to bring our A game to class each time it meets. To do so requires that we stay engaged and are excited about teaching that day's topic. Yes, it is easy to get burned out but we need to introduce new activities into our classes that get us excited about the class which will expand to our students and their engagement as well. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

James, This is a good point in relation to earning student respect. By them knowing that you have worked in your field and have been successful in it they can see that they can benefit from your instruction and modeling what a person in the field should be like. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Maureen, Thank you for this insight into the value of the human factor as a teaching tool. Your comments reflect this essential element of needed for teaching and learner success. This is how students become a part of the learning process. They see and know they have a caring professional that wants to help them to be successful. This shapes their perspective about the course and their field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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