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

Your Instructional Style

Hi Dorothy, I put students into groups to work on projects. By mixing the higher level and lower skilled students together in groups there is an exchange that takes place. They help each other on the common project while exchanging information and knowledge. The students like to work together on projects or cast studies so the motivation for group learning is high. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Dorothy, You are not alone in your fright. It was this way for all of us when we first started. Look at your course content and see how what you are teaching can be applied in everyday life. For example, you could have students develop resumes, do minute papers, write letters of application, etc. All of these activities revolve around their next step in life, that being getting employment. If they can develop their writing/communication skills their chances are greatly increase in terms of success. This helps to make it real for them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Mark, The approach you use appeals to me a lot. I lead outdoor adventures into wilderness areas in Wyoming where we focus on nature, personal growth and meeting of challenges. The participants are wonderful to work with as their world opens up in a way they never thought possible. I know you have had these same experiences in your work. Keep sharing the message as we see more and more people isolated themselves inside through technology we are reducing our human interaction. Nature helps to bring those contacts back into play. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Toni, Like the way you express the contributions that different age groups make to the total education setting. It is exciting to see how each group fills in those gaps that you mentioned. Thanks for sharing the insight with us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Hi Michael, Personalized instruction is a key component of retention and student satisfaction. You are teaching a subject that can be challenging for students and by making it personal you are creating a connection for them. Great job! Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Frank, Right you are about keeping the class interesting and active. What are some strategies that you use to accomplish these two things? Thanks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Eural, Thank you so much for this follow up. Like your approach. Bottom line if you quit then the relationship you have with the school and your instructor is over. He/she can no longer help you. By keeping them encouraged you are showing them that you are there to support them so they won't quit as easily. Great work, keep it up. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Rebecca, I use them to. They are great and with some many there are always several that I can apply to my lesson if I want to. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Louise, I really like the way you bring reality into the classroom. Sometimes students get so caught up in the field, like preparing innovative dishes that they forget so of realities of life. The restaurants that have failed health inspections are great examples. This is real and current and something when they have their kitchens they cannot overlook. Should make a lasting impression on them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Dorothy, The goals and objectives for the course comes out of the competencies that the students need to have at the end of the course. Sort of a form of reverse engineering. Then break the objectives down into learning activities that will give the students the knowledge and learning opportunities that will help them acquire the needed competencies for that unit. Go into each class with a clear idea of what you want to accomplish that day and what your students will need to do to learn effectively and efficiently. So if a group discussion, guest speaker, lecture, demonstration… >>>

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