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

Instructors as Motivators

Susan, That is one of my favorites as well because it so explains how we can continue to fail if we don't do anything different. The easiest thing to do is fail because with failure you can blame others and you do have to put forth any effort or make any decisions. I try as I know you do to burn into the minds of my students that they need to stay enrolled and coming to class no matter what is going on outside of school. By coming to class at least they have a place to be successful and… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

William, Good point and it reminds me of a saying that is used in education. The quote goes "To teach is to learn twice, once as a student and once as the teacher." When your students instruct another student they are reinforcing what they have learned and are explaining in a way that is understandable by that other student. Through student feedback you are learning how to increase the your instructional effectiveness. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Vincent, Good strategy. You are putting yourself in the same situation as they so you have insight on what delivery strategies will most engage them. This increases the effectiveness of instruction and enables student growth to occur. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Susan, Respect and rapport are two very powerful components of successful teaching and student learning. It is great when we earn the respect of our students while showing them we respect them for who they are and what life experiences their bring to class. From there rapport starts and a great student instructor relationship can result in student growth and success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

William, Thank you for sharing this example of how an instructor impacted your life and helped you to create a future in education. His dedication and your expertise have blended to result in you helping many students be successful not only in the classroom but also in their personal lives. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

Ginny, It is great when those situations occur and they realize that you actually do know what you are talking about and teaching them. Sometimes students get the idea that we have never had any real life experiences so we can't possibility understand them. As a result the often dismiss what we are teaching them. When they see the transference from classroom to life they get real excited because they see both application and relevancy. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Vincent, Good way to establish a supportive and comfortable environment. Once this is done then it is up to them to put forth the effort to be successful in the class and work toward creating a future for themselves. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Annie, You have captured the essence of feedback when you say good and honest. This is how students will be able to grow and develop the needed knowledge and skill sets. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

A, Yes you do. Also,learners like variety and change of pace in content delivery. By doing so you will appeal to their different learning preferences while keeping them engaged and focused. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

TC, Well said. Students need to be able to apply the content and skills that are being taught along with seeing the relevance and value to what they are learning. If they do they will be engaged and focused as students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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