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

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Kareem, Thank you for sharing your beginning experiences as an instructor. I know these comments will be of value to other instructors that are just starting their teaching careers. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

Lars, Good advice for problem solvers to follow. Stepping away at times can be very helpful because you can reset your brain and think about the problem in a different way. This new perspective is often just what is needed to gain the insight that will lead to a solution. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

TANYA, This is so important because it reduces student anxiety and frustration. Everyone is on the same page and knows exactly what it takes to enjoy course success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

William, There are several things that can help with student retention. First, find out all you can about your students. Many students leave school due to outside pressures such as families in crisis, day care, transportation, etc.. Second, try to create a support system for your students. A support system can have a number of ways that it works. You can provide support, fellow students can provide support, and the students services office can provide support. Another thing is to try and create a personal relationship with students so they will see that you value them as individuals and that… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Michael, Good way to establish yourself as the learning leader of your class. You are clear and concise with your information about how the course is going to operate and what the expectations are. Then by following through you let your students know you are serious about what you are saying and consistent about how you enforce the rules of your course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Ruth, You are welcome. I am excited for you as you prepare this supplemental information sheet and get ready to inform and direct your students next term. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Michael, By sharing this information with your students you are increasing the value of your course to them. They through this information start to see that if they apply themselves, get their license they have the potential to earn a good income and have a successful career. You are helping to make their effort be worth it. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Sharon, Well said. This is what we are about. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Gloria, I love the first class meeting because of what I learn about my students. Your approach is supportive and informative which lets them see that they are in the hands of a caring and supportive learning leader. In addition they get to learn about classmates which in turn can lead to friendships and support as you mention. A wonderful first meeting for all. Thanks for sharing your strategy with us. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Gloria, Well put and this is such an important way to start a new course. This shows the students the standards you are going to expect from them. Having fun with ice breakers and introductions lets them get settled into the class and then you can review policies and expectations which shows them what they will need to do in order to be successful. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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