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

Joseph, Right you are. By starting with earning their trust and respect you build toward rapport. When rapport is present then teaching and learning becomes and enjoyable experience for all involved. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Joseph, Two of my favorite words in terms of instructional delivery and you used both of them--passion and enthusiasm. I think both of the elements need to be present if student engagement is going to occur. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Michael, Life examples are what increase both the motivation and interest of students. These stories help to increase the value of the course to the students as they start to see both relevance and application of what is being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Kurt, Like your approach of getting students to commitment themselves to why they are in the course. By writing down their reasons you are being informed the why of their enrollment and they are putting themselves in the position of accountability. Good way to keep them engaged for the duration of a course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Joseph, This is a good way to provide support for the duration of the course. Each phase of the course is clear and the expectations are known. This way the students can see where they are in the course and what they need to accomplish to keep pace with the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Steve, What are some of the other motivators you use with your students? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Gerald, I use guided notes which is an outline of the key points with supporting points that the students fill in under these main points. They work well in helping the students to see what they need to understand and internalize. You might want to try this approach again as it does keep the students engaged throughout the class sessions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Walt, This is an important point. They need to see the connection between what is being studied and how it will impact their career development. This is what I call connecting the dots between the classroom and reality. The more this can be done the better prepared the students will be to transition into employment. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Michael, Good way to set the stage for the upcoming course. The students have the opportunity to get settled into the course and learn about their classmates. Then they are presented with the course requirements and expectations so they can see what they are going to need to do to be successful in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Rose, Yes it will because it will help the students to become engaged in the learning process and excited about the learning opportunities that are being presented. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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