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

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Mark, The key to long term retention of content is connection. There needs to be a connection between the learner and the content. The use of an episode is a good way of creating that connection. By the students having to work through a situation and use their problem solving skills their memories are going to retain the key information for a much longer period of time. Good strategy. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Melanie, I really like your approach to teaching writing. The email exercise has to be of great value to the students because they can see how important accurate and concise writing is to getting the message across. Thanks for sharing these strategies. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Melanie, These are great ways to enhance your knowledge of instructional planning and delivery. Each one of this will add to your expertise in a unique way. You are going to reap many benefits from these efforts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Jennifer, Enthusiasm, excitement and passion are hard to beat when it comes to teaching. When students observe these three they start to realize what great opportunities they have to achieve their career goals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Michael, You raise a very good question that I have thought about much over the past few years. In about one decade our social networks and communication devices have changed dramatically. How this will impact the Gen Ys as they age is a going to be a social study of great interest to many. Will they look for more human interaction, will they continue to separate themselves from others, or will new technology create additional social networks that we aren't aware of today? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Jennifer, Great way to bring the human factor into the classroom. By keeping it in the front of your mind you are able to relate more effectively with your students and help them to catch a glimpse of their future opportunities. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Hi Marcus, Case studies are very effective in getting student participation. They get involved in the cases and want to share their opinions on how to resolve the situation. You will have a lot of success with them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Jerry, I believe this as well. Like many things excitement is contagious. We have it the students catch it and everyone benefits from the enthusiasm that results. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Benny. Your last sentence says it all. You really do get back what you put into it. By being well prepared and excited about what you are teaching you showing value to your students. They get excited about the course and teaching becomes easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Craig, It is unfortunate that you had to experience such a situation but as evidenced by your comments it was an experience was not lost on your teaching strategy. Your students are benefiting from your experience by having you include them and helping them to feel accepted in the course. Keep up the good work. Gary

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