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

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Sharon, Good list of the components needed to be a critical thinker which leads to successful problem solving. The workplace seeks problem solvers so students need to see that they can increase their value by developing their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Tommy, Thank you for sharing your success with graphic organizers. They are such a simple yet valuable learning tool for our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Tom, Thank you for sharing this activity with us. It is a great role playing situation that helps to prepare your students for the real world they are seeking to enter. The feedback you got from some of the students tells you it was a good one and I know they are looking forward to some of the same types of activities as they progress in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Ronald, These are powerful motivators because as we reach goals along the way that move us closer to our career we start to see the value of what we are studying and the skills we are developing. We need to remember this when we work with our students and contribute to their progress on their career path. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Gail, Good point because student feedback is how we improve our instructional efforts. I get frequent feedback from my students throughout each course so I can reinforce what I am doing and change things that need to be changed. I am not a big fan of the end of course evaluations because they are standardized to the point that feedback is not really given on specific projects, activities or quizzes. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Steven, I really enjoy classes where I have developed rapport with my students. This is when learning is fun and the students are engaged. Each class session becomes an exchange of ideas, knowledge and expertise. We need to first earn their respect and then strive to develop rapport with them and when we do the results are very rewarding for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Gail, I know your efforts reinforce to the students that they did in fact make the right choice when they enrolled at your university. They as a result of your efforts start to see themselves as part of a learning community and this is when they really get excited and their classes and their future. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

James, Well said and so important to the learning process. By feeling accepted and a part of the learning community students will be more open to the learning process and willing to contribute to the class discussions and activities. This is the environment we want to create for them so everyone will have the opportunity to be engaged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Donna, An instructor needs to "own" the room when teaching and your comments reinforce how that is done. Thank you for these good ideas about how to be an effective and efficient instructor that engages students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Implementing Relevant Course Content

Sarah, Good suggestion for instructor to remember. By placing yourself in the role of the student you can see where you need to change, modify, or expand instructional components to reinforce the learning process of your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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