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

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Winsome, You ask a very interesting question. Don't know the exact answer but each of your proposed answers may be contributors to the overall operation of career colleges. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Winsome, I agree. Acceptance is a very powerful need. If a student feels acceptance and can get comfortable in the class then respect and rapport will quickly follow. All of these components contribute to successful completion of the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Kim, We currently have three courses that focus on online learning techniques for instructors. Later this summer we will be bringing 3 more courses online for a total of 6 courses devoted to online instruction. I know you will gain much from taking these courses. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Brian, This should also build some confidence in the students as they get more at ease in talking in front of other students. Out in the work world they are going to need good communication skills and the more you can help them develop those skills the more successful they are going to be. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

Hi Kacie, So do I. Without those days teaching would not be near as exciting as it is. You never know when they will "get it". Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Hi Karen, This is a good approach to take. I deduct 20 points for each day the assignment is late. That way in 5 days the assignment has no value. The reason I do this is so there is closure. As you know if you don't students will be handing in assignments at the end of the course that were due the first day. I also take into account circumstances that have impacted the late assignment. I talk with the students so I am understanding of why they had some challenges in getting the work in. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Hi Robert, I hear you loud and clear. Sounds like my schedule. I teach because I enjoy working with the students so I work very hard to be excited and prepared each time the class meets. Also, I find that I can't wait to get to class to share something that has occurred in my work that day that will help them to see the relevancy of what they are studying. The helps me to get over being worn out and recharges my batteries. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Hi Jessica, Depending on what you are doing in the class you can offer breaks along the way. I like to give longer breaks 15-20 minutes so they can get up move around, grab a snack or soda, go to the restroom. It is almost impossible to give a 5 minute break. No matter how you try the students just can't get back to the class within 5 minutes. This is why I give them longer breaks where they can refocus their minds. I offer mini-breaks within the class. The students don't know they are breaks but they are. For… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Karen, Good point. The social aspects of a career are as important as the technical skills. By giving them dialog as well as patient relation techniques you are giving them balance to their career development. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Hi Karen, Right you are in relation to the challenges that cell phones have brought to the classroom. They are such great devices but can really disrupt a class if they get out of control so we instructors have to make sure we have control of their use while conducting our classes. Gary

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