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

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Andrea, You make a number of very good points but your last one really helps to set the tone for your teaching. Being happy in life does make a difference in your relationships with students and how you approach the classroom. Keep your great attitude and enjoy your students each day. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Kimberly, You are in a great situation as a new instructor. You can develop your expertise and grow in your skills while benefiting your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Seth, This experience is going to provide you with a variety of styles and learning opportunities. Take in what you see and then internalize it to your own teaching style. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Hi Kristine, Thank you for sharing this website. As you say it is a great one to give an instructor the big picture of in terms of learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Scott, This is a good way to create a baseline on your students. You can quickly see where the students are in their thinking and experience with this method. From there you can build a plan of instruction that will benefit all students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Richard, Try greeting each student as he/she enters the classroom each time the class meets. If you can ask each student one question that they can respond to easily. It can involve the weather, sports, local event, school happening, etc. Point is you are talking with each student in a different setting than the formal class. You will be surprised at how quickly you will develop your skills of interaction. Before you know it you will be much like the professor in the video. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Kimberly, Can't say enough about this. For many students, you are the first person they have ever met that has been in their field of training. By getting to know you and learn from you they can develop an appreciation for why they will encounter when they go to work themselves. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Elisha, I am sure your students really enjoy your class because your excitement for the field and your love of teaching comes through in your remarks. Keep up the good work. I teach a required course as well so I know how hard you have to work to get the students engaged in the learning process while enjoying coming to the class. A big challenge but a lot of fun because I get to be creative and share a field I love. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Richard, Good point about how students must be helped to realize that they need to be respectful of the other students. They cannot be allowed to discredit nor disrespect other students. This requires strong leadership from the instructor because these attacks can quickly destroy a class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Diane, Your remarks are right on with the challenges of working in an online environment. Thank you for sharing your strategy of how the skill of working in a group will benefit them later on in their work life when team projects will require their ability to with diverse team members. As we all know this is a real skill requiring much expertise in order to be effective. Gary

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