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

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Callie, You make a key point about reflection after a class. This is such an important way to improve instructional effectiveness. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Mark, You raise a very good discussion topic and one that generates a lot of interest. I taught for a number of years in the inner city of Denver, CO so I can relate to what you are speaking to. My position was that I was teaching my students to enter into and be successful in a career field. As a part of my educational sharing I was going to hold them to the acceptable language standards of the profession. They might use slang or modified language but the end goal was the ability to express themselves in a professional… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Gabriel, You make a good point about the value of making a good impression. Yes students do talk and share their perspective in relation to how they see you as an instructor. This is why instructors need to always model professional behavior, dress, language and conduct so they will be perceived as being dedicated learning leaders. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Christina, Sounds like you have been able to establish yourself as the learning leader. Through your experience and dedication to teaching you are impacting the lives of your students and helping them to move forward in their career development. Keep up this most worth effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Edwin, Relevance and application need to be present in our instructional delivery. Just as you mention students need to see the value of what is being taught and how it applies to their career growth. The more we can do that the more engaged our students will be. Good point, thanks for bringing it up. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Juno, Thank you for these kind words. I am am excited for you as you expand your expertise and a learning leader. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Heather, You are bringing the human factor into your teaching and student interactions. You have the experience and the knowledge that gives you the ability to earn the respect of your students while developing rapport with them. This sets up a great learning opportunity for the students as they move forward in their career development. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Heather, Your emphasis on student responsibility is a key element in terms of student success. You are letting them know that they have to meet certain standards if they are going to provide the level of medical care required. They need to see your passion for your field and the enthusiasm you have for teaching about it. These two elements in addition to your experience in the field establishes the fact they they are going to be studying with a dedicated learning leader in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

LAURA, Like the way you open a new course. A positive first impression forms the foundation upon which the rest of the course is built so it needs to be a good one. By letting the students know it is up to them in terms of their outcomes and that they are in control of their success you are establishing accountability from the first meeting. That is a good impression for them to leave the class with. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Heather, I follow your strategy in my classes. I distribute and review the syllabus with my students. I have them sign that they have received a syllabus and that we have covered it in class. This starts their course accountability from day one and as you mention reduces student excuses in relation to not getting the information about assignments and due dates. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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