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

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Maria, Good point. A syllabus can only be as strong as your ability to coordinate the activities and progress students are making. By doing so you are keeping them engaged and forward focused. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Lorraine, With some additional time spent as an instructor the balance will start to fall into place for you. By having a clear outline and then stopping ever few minutes for discussion or feedback you will start to see where the happy medium is. Then you can start adding additional instructional methods to your delivery and you will have a comprehensive instructional package developed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Adam, Good question and one that in my opinion doesn't have a clear answer. I personally like having command of certain facts and techniques in mind ready for use. I worked many years to acquire this knowledge and it serves me well when I need it. On the other hand with some much information out there and so easily accessed how much information does a person need to know to have a successful career. With the growth of technology being as fast as it is we are still trying to find out the human factor in the mix. We… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Amy, Go for it. Just relax and enjoy your students. Before you know it you will settled into the class and developing rapport with your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Hi Meighen, Right you are about providing opportunities for students where they get to apply their newly acquired knowledge in different settings. These different approaches enable the students to see how the material can be applied in a number of different problem solving applications. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Al, This is a great example of relevancy in teaching. When great opportunities like you had to bring in the Attorney General you take them. This shows the students you are working hard to offer high quality instruction that has application to their careers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Al, With your extensive background experiences I know you can share a story or event that fits almost every situation. This really gets the attention of your students. In addition, much of your work involved working with the emotional and social aspects of humans. By bringing this expertise into the classroom your students leave with a balance of both skills and knowledge. Thank you for sharing this with us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Cliff, What a great story of the impact an instructor can have on the life of a student. You helped him to turn his attitude around as well as build his confidence. This is going to really help him when he is out in the work world. Thanks for sharing it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Claudiu, Good point. Nothing distracts students more than being shown a video that is so outdated they spend more time looking at the hair styles and clothing than they do the content. Also, by using such material it indicates to the students that the instructor probably hasn't kept up with the field either. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Rosita, This is a good strategy. It really gets the students involved and holds both they and you accountable. Thanks for sharing it with us. Gary

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