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

Instructors as Motivators

Katelyn, Well said. You are setting the standard for their field through your modeling efforts. This is an awesome responsibility but one that we can relish because we are preparing the next generation to enter our field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Alison, This is a such a critical part of being a learning leader. If you are not consistent with your requirements it won't be long before you will have lost control of the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Alison, Good plan because most college students have selective memories when it comes to due dates and project requirements. By repeating the requirements and reminding them of deadlines they will keep on target to get everything in as needed. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Katelyn, These are fun times and I learn so much about my students. The introductions are the start of developing and earning respect in the class. It is a building process from there. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Richard, I start with three things the first day. "Courtesy is owed" I would be courteous to you if you are courteous to me. That is a reasonable expectation for human beings. Next "Respect is earned". I will work to earn your respect and in return I will respect you. Third, "Rapport is developed" Rapport is a working relationship that comes out of mutual respect and is what instructors desire to have with their students. As you can see it is a two way street because the students in order to get respect and develop rapport have to contribute to… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Katelyn, I agree. I like to listen to people that have a passion for their area. Combine passion with enthusiasm about teaching and you have a win win for students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Richard, You make several very good points about understanding the students that are enrolled and how you can be supportive to them. This knowledge enables you to customize your instruction in a way that will keep the students progressing in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Katelyn, These adult learners are in desperate situations due to the fact that they have to start their careers over. They have been out of school for a number of years so they have forgotten many of their study and not taking skills. They need early success in the course and supports like guided notes to show them that they can be successful in the course as well as the college. You are making a major difference in their lives as you are giving them another chance to provide for their families and create a future. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

w, Good supportive approach for getting your students settled into the course and feeling confident they can do the required work. This is how you build rapport with them as the course progresses. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Laura, Good way to establish yourself as the learning leader. You are creating the framework for how the course is going to operate and the beginning of the development of respect. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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