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

Making Instruction Relevant

Carl, Application and relevancy are two critical components of teaching. The students need to see the "whys" of the content and when they do they start to see the value as well. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Lillian, Try to make a connection between yourself and each student. This connection can be in relation to their hobbies, pets, kids, life experiences, etc.. I have found that I remember their names much quicker as a result plus I have something to chat with them about prior to class each day. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

David, I like the example you give in relation to football. So true in terms of being clear and concise with objectives. I see many instructors that do not do this and then they are frustrated when the students don't seem to be engaged in the course. A simple solution could be there for them -- Share Objectives With The Students. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Isleen, Good point about getting to know students at a level where you understand what their needs are and why they are in school. This is important information to use when you are doing your instructional planning. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Evelyn, Application and relevancy are two essential parts of learning. They both need to be present if students are going to remain engaged and focused. You make a good point about how valuable these concepts are to learners. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Jonathan, Respect must be earned by both the students and the instructor. Once respect has been established then rapport can be developed and the move forward is started for the students. Good point about how the lack of rapport will quickly cause students to want to step away from their classes. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Jonathan, Right you are about the instructor being the big factor in retention. The students need to know that their instructor is there to support them if they are willing to put forth the effort to be successful. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Jonathan, Thank you for a this comprehensive approach to connecting with and supporting the learning of your students. Your approach gives the students every opportunity to become engaged as the course progresses. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Renata, Even though our students are adults they respond to reinforcement and rewards. Knowing you are recognizing their effort is important to their development in the course. Good job in keeping them engaged. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

John, Well said. Knowing you know your student population is an effective way to help all the students in the class to learn. You can customize and target your content as needed as a result of having this information. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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