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

The Human Factor in Retention

Kenneth, Your last sentence puts it all together. This sentence describes what I try to bring to my classes each time I teach. I am honored to be able to share my experience and knowledge with the next generation of individuals entering my field. This is my legacy. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Kenneth, I to had a great serious of dynamic instructors throughout my career. I also had some very poor instructors but the great ones overcame the poor ones in terms of my personal learning and professional growth. I will always be remember the impact they had on my carer and my life. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Kenneth, That is a real as it can get. Guest speakers reinforce what we are teaching and bring value to the content. I use them a lot in my courses for the reasons you state. Great motivators. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Kenneth, Thanks for the reference. This is a great book for instructors to read and think about in relation to their own instructional style. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Kenneth, Good point. The knowing of the WHY is essential as it creates value for the students. They see the ROI of what is being taught and the fact they get to study with a professional expert during the course. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Ken, You have a challenging assignment with this level of students. These individuals are already established in their field and have high expectations of their current instructor. I commend you on your approach in setting a tone of professionalism and mutual respect. This creates a positive and forward focused learning environment. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Cynthia, Great approach to the positive first impression of class and students. You have set a tone of which the students are aware due to the fact they inspect each other prior to class. This keeps them focused on their professional development as well as the value of the course content. Thanks for sharing this strategy with us. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Kenneth, We have to help the students to see that this excuse will not work in the real world. About the second time we say we didn't know a task was due by a certain time we will be looking for work because they will get someone that will meet deadlines. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Kenneth, I like this idea. It promotes individual learning and exploration while moving each student to the common goals of the course. Thanks for sharing this example with us. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Kevin, Common problem. Many students today feel entitled to a good grade because they have paid tuition to attend college. If they are not successful it is not their fault or they weren't told. Holding them accountable for having received the syllabus is one way to help reduce this excuse. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

End of Content