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

Making a Positive First Impression

Linh, Well said for a beginning instructor. You have a very good understanding of how you want to conduct your class. A saying I use as I approach the class is that "courtesy is owed" (I the instructor will extend you courtesy.) "Respect is earned" (I will work to earn your respect just as you will need to work to earn my respect.) and "Rapport is established" (As we work together we will establish rapport with each other that enhances your professional growth.). Hope this say will be of help to you as you begin your career. Gary Dr. Gary… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Eric, This is a great way to get everyone introduced in a low stress or at least less stressful way. By having the pair stand up the students are sharing in the "spotlight" of the class during introductions and by having the other person standing they have more confidence when it their turn to share. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

David, Thanks for sharing this positive outcome in terms of using a resource that sometimes may be overlooked. As instructors we need to always be on the look out for other ways to present our content. This video is such an example. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Katherine, I use them a lot in my classes as well. They really help to show students how to work through learning sequences and complete projects. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Sameena, This is a good approach to instructional planning because you are bringing a variety of learning opportunities to the classroom and these opportunities then can be used by the students. This gets them engaged in the learning process. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Paulette, I agree. Experience cannot be gifted it is earned through trial and error. Yes, you are a valuable role model for your students because your station in life came as a result of your dedication and hard work. They need to understand this is how life works and that they are not entitled to anything, they must earn it. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Emily, Good way to personalize the course content to each student. They get to see they are being valued for themselves and what they bring to the class. Getting to share this information just strengthens their engagement in the class. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

Rich, By having dynamic and well developed instruction. In addition, there needs to be incentives for them to come to class. If they are not sold on being students and they do not see any value to what is being taught it is going to be tough to get them to come. Normally grades and course success is enough but for some students they are there because of the courts or other programs and these are difficult to get to see the value of education and learning. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Michael, This rapport is so important in relation to student retention. Your comments are right on in relation to how important it is for the student to know they have a caring and supportive instructor. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Leslie, The human factor in teaching is critical and you are providing that with this approach. Good way to engage and support your students. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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