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 Increasing Student Motivation

Rekha, Performance by students is so impacting on their future. By you tying their grades to their course success and future career success you are showing them the value of effort. By letting them know that their performance in your course can impact their employment as well as earnings you are making it real for them. Keep up the good work. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Steve, I like the way you explain and use this formula. Helps to show the students how the course is going to operate. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Tracy, Accountability is a big part of your first class sessions. You are making your expectations clear and then asking your students to sign a document that shows they have these expectations in their minds and in their notes. This is a good way to keep the course outcomes fresh in the minds of the students throughout the course. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Russell, Yes, the first impression will set the tone for the class. We need to do everything we can to make sure that impression is positive and the students can see the value of the course they are going to be taking. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Tammie, Good connection points with students as well. By having this "value added" information you have a point upon which you can build rapport with the students. Thanks for sharing these ideas with us. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Jessica, Well said. First class meetings really set the tone for the class so they need to be planned out and easy for the students to settle into. Having fun with some ice breakers and sharing information through introductions helps everyone to learn about each other while coming together as a group that will be working toward common goals in the coming sessions. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Sandra, All good points about how to start a new class off. I like first class meetings for the reasons you list. We have some fun, share laughs and start to gel as a learning unit. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Judy, Yes, it is and without it the students will be lost and start to drop out of the educational journey they are on because they don't know what the destination is. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Aisha, Good point and the reason to establish a learning environment that is supportive and comfortable. This way the students will be able to learn and grow while making progress toward their career goals. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Diana, Good points about how to establish a supportive and inviting learning environment. This sets the stage for successful learning and student engagement. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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