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

Instructors as Motivators

Matt, Your entire approach, the energy, enthusiasm, passion plus examples blend to give your students instructional delivery that will hold their attention and get them to value the content being presented. Keep up the good work. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Harlan, My college has formal feedback surveys that use bubbles just as you say and I find them of no value, though the college uses them for faculty evaluations. The real feedback for me comes from my students when we complete a project, exam or special activity. I give them a 3X5 card and have them respond to several questions about the topic on which I want feedback. They do not put their names on the cards. In all of my years of teaching I have never received any nasty feedback. What I have received is feedback both positive and… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Matt, Great point. I explain to my students that I am going to work to earn their respect just as they have to work to earn mine. Once we respect each other we have the foundation for the development of rapport and this is when the real connection begins in terms of the learning opportunities and student growth. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

ANTHONY, The human factor in the classroom is the demonstration of empathy, support, respect and rapport. It is not meant to be seen as a form of weakness in terms of course requirements. If the course requirements are not upheld then the instructor is not doing his or her job in relation to professional development of his or her students. On the other hand by forming a connection (human factor) with students the instructor shows that the student can come to the instructor for advice, help and feedback without feeling uncomfortable. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Harlan, I do as well for the reason you state. They are draw on these examples from the field. These examples show the students how the content can be applied and increases the value of what you are teaching to the students because they see relevancy and application in these examples. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Shannon, You raise a number of very good questions about relating to students. This is an ongoing challenge for instructors for some of the reasons you list. The diversity of the student population demands that you develop an approach that will enable you to connect with the recent high school graduates as well as those that are going through the course to train to enter another career. By pulling on their life experiences along with your own and you have a very rich background you all will be able to find common ground and then move forward as a united… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Alecia, I am a big fan of case studies. I use them all the time in my classes so my students can apply what they are learning. One of the outcomes from using cases studies is that the students can come up with solutions and then the results can be discussed as to what was done in that situation and what the outcome was in real life. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

ALLAN, This is so true and so important as you get the course under way. The more you can help them feel comfortable and get settled in the better. They need to feel support is there if needed and that their instructor cares about them and their success. This is the foundation upon which the rest of the course is going to be built. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Implementing Relevant Course Content

Shawn, The more real world connections you make when teaching a subject like math the better. Your approach shows the students how they are going to use they math they are learning and as a result have a better chance of reaching their career goals. These connections are what help to "sell" your course and the reason they are enrolled to the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Heidi, Your approach is a good one in that you are not only sharing course content but you are helping with their professional development as well. The students need to see how they dress, speak, and conduct themselves has a major impact on their employment success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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