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

Developing Student Rapport

Dawn, Respect and rapport are two very important parts of the educational process. Once they are in place then the educational exchange of information is rewarding to both the students and the learning leader. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Christina, Stories from the field are what increase the value of the course content to and for the students. Your specific story I know will be reflected on for many years by your students as think about their own preparation and trust that they have the technical and cognitive skills required to work with patients in all settings. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Karen, You are most welcome. I am excited for you as you refine your instructional style and earn the respect of your students. This is what makes teaching fun! Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

JoAnn, The more you can reinforce expectations the better. Your handout is doing just that. Students have selective memories at times when it comes to class due dates, projects and expectations. The more reminders the better. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Karen, I can appreciate your challenge as you want to make sure you are offering the maximum instruction to your students while maintain the needed pace of the class. As for approaching Day 1 of your Pathology course I would address their concerns in the opening statements you make about the course. I would talk about board exams and how you will be taking them through the material that they need to sit for boards. Give some examples of how you are going to do this. This way you will be earning their respect because you are letting them know… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

John, I like introductions for the reasons you list. They are a valuable way to gain insight into your current student group. They are also a lot of fun because I am always amazed at the life experiences that my students bring to the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

JoAnn, This is a very good point about the value the syllabus plays in creating a mindset for students. By having a well prepared syllabus you the instructor sends a message that this is what the course is about and this is what you need to do to be successful. At that point it is up to the students assume responsibility to put forth the needed effort to be successful. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Jane, I have learned a lot from cell phones during my teaching. I have learned they annoy me and that I don't want them used while we are in class. Good point, thanks for making it. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Karen, Great way to get your students involved and thinking about how to be problem solvers as well as effective communicators. As for a less complicated way to pull this activity off is you might want to assign students to groups, say 2-3 students each. Have them break down the task/problem into equal parts depending how many students are in each group. When I do this I have them present for 2-3 minutes each for no more than 10 per group. I put them in front of the class seated behind a table as a panel. This lets them be… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Dave, Yes, it does. A good first impression is the foundation for the development of a course that is based upon respect and rapport between and among all of the participants. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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