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

The Human Factor in Retention

Alfredo, Knowing that their instructor cares about their success is a powerful motivator for most students. They want to do well so their instructor will be proud of them. In addition, students that have supportive instructors have much higher retention rates. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Lev, Good strategies for professional development and growth as an educator. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Alfredo, Good point. With some support and slight adaptation of the learning process students with special needs will be able to be successful. Knowing you care about them and their success is very important to their learning success as well. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Joseph, Good reminder for us all to remember. We need to set the stage for a great first class because it is so much easier to build from there rather than having to dig out of a negative situation for the coming class sessions. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Joseph, Thank you for sharing your approach to distributing your syllabus and holding the students accountable for having received the information. I use this method and it has worked very well for many years. The questions that are asked are meaningful and targeted because they have been through the syllabus and have the majority of their questions answered that deal with policies, assignments and projects. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Ian, Well said. The first impression sets the stage as you say for the rest of the course. Sometimes in the hurry to get a new course started instructors forget to bring their A game to the class and get the students settled into a positive learning environment. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Heather, Good point. We need to bring a well organized and supportive feeling to the classroom so our students will be able to focus on acquiring the content. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Jennifer, Seems simple but is critical to student comfortable and establishing a supportive learning environment. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Ian, Good analysis of where you want to take your instructional style. Go for it! Bring your passion to the classroom. It is catching! Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Noah, You have shared some good advice for instructors. Be human and be supportive. This will help students to see that you want them to be successful if they are willing to put forth the effort needed. Despite their life challenges they do have a rich future ahead if they acquire the needed knowledge and skills. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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