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

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Linsey, You have a very clear understanding of what it is you are to do as an educator. With this understanding you can plan your instructional delivery and teaching style. As a result I know you are effective in your instruction as you prepare your students for success in their chosen careers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Developing Student Rapport

Hi Dana, A mentor relationship is a relationship that has much potential for students and their career development. By knowing their instructor is supportive of their efforts and that they can talk with their instructor about how the "real world" operates in relation to their careers means a lot especially as they get closer to graduation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Suzanne, Excitement is catching so you make a good point. We need to be excited about our field and the fact that we get to share our field with others through teaching this is what gets the students engaged in the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi David, Well said and right on target. This is what being a good instructor begins with. You have to plan and organize or you are not going to have positive experiences in the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi June, Yes that is what it is. Some years ago I worked with Dr. Gardner and his staff on ways to assess multiple intelligences. Over the last few years in my research I have developed an assessment of the intelligences that we use with our students. This way we can focus on the dominate intelligences of each student and target their learning preferences. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Jennifer, These methods are both fun and engaging plus they challenge students. This will help to keep them engaged in the class and looking forward to the next situation you come up with. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Veronica, The change of pace and the student discussions of ways to keep students engaged and focused. You are right on with your approaches and this I am sure makes for a most rewarding class for your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Steven, Think of some ways you can "soften" your demeanor and create a connection with your students. Do some icebreakers where there is a lot of discussion and interaction with the students. I think you will start to see how your personality will start to shine through and you won't be that drill instructor as much. You don't have to drop this persona completely just work on softening it and you will do fine. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Barbara, Great last line. This summarizes what teaching is all about. We are leaving a legacy we can only hope it is a legacy of value. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Holly, This is a great way to adjust a course while in session. This way you are customizing the course to that specific group of students rather than the next group. As you say our evaluations occur after the course is completed and before we have met the next group so it is difficult to make sure we are reading the students during the time we have them. I will be interested in your results after you have tried this method next time. Gary

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