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

Increasing Student Retention

Nicole, Clear and concise information about course expectations is a must. Building a connection through respect and rapport helps students to see that you value them and their contributions to the class. This is a good foundation from which to operate as an instructor. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

Connie, Stories from the field help to reinforce the value of the content being shared. This is why the students become more engaged when you tell a story and give an example. This increases the relevancy of what the students are receiving from your instruction. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

Maria, This is a good point. Mentally students need to be ready to be students and this involves knowing they have in place the needed supports such as child care and transportation. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

Dennis, I think this is a great idea because as students get tired or worn down during a course reminders like this can perk them back up and get them refocused on the reasons they are in school. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Jorge, Good point and an essential part of the instructional planning process. With this information you are able to customize your instruction in a way that enables each student to be an effective learner if that individual will put forth the effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Mary, Can you expand on this statement? How do you develop your lesson plans in relation to student learning preferences? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Maria, With such small classes you can really get to know your students and then develop a specific learning plan for each of them. This is such a great learning opportunity for your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Nicole, This is important because it helps you to be able to customize your instruction to meet your current students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Dennis, I am a big fan of grit and self discipline. I think students need to be given examples of how both can be developed and be a made a part of their career development. I talk about "branding" in terms of what skill sets they can bring to the workplace and I make these two a part of the developmental process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Melannie, This format for instructional delivery is right on target. This is how you keep the interest of students throughout the course sessions and enhance their satisfaction with the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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