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.

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Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Mark, I agree with you about the big A. This is so important for an instructor. If we can't adapt our delivery, content and approach we are going to have a much tougher time in the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Gretchen, Welcome to the profession. I can tell you are going to have much success in the classroom. Keep up the great attitude about your field and your students. This excitement really rubs off on the students making the classes enjoyable for everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Student Feedback

Hi Mark, One concern I would have with every class feedback is that the students would see it as being routine and just put something down to get it done. It would be overkill in my opinion. This is why I like to get feedback that is spread out over the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Student Feedback

Hi Mark, This method of getting feedback from students has been very valuable to me in professional development since it is not a snapshot but a long exposure to what is going on in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Reasons for Enrolling

Hi Mark, You make a very good point about knowing the reason for students being enrolled in the course and if they see how their career is coming together. Many students do not have a realistic understanding of their field and what it takes to be successful in it. They jump into the courses and then complain that they have to take certain required courses without knowing how each one contributes to their grow. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Hi Kim, Humans like variety no matter the setting so by offering that variety to your students you are getting and holding their attention. This is what good teaching is all about. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Kim, Thank you for the kind words. I always like to hear from instructors that are excited about their field, enjoy teaching and have a great time with their students. That is as good as it gets. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Irene, Right! There is a big difference between theory and practice in most fields. The students need to be able to use theory to be successful in practice. If they can't they are not going to be successful in their carers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Jan, The breaking down of the content into smaller chunks really helps the students with their comfort level. It is like the question--"How do you eat an elephant?" Answer--"One bite at a time.". Many students can't get their minds around the smaller parts and become overwhelmed by the large amount of work/study/effort that is going to be required. You make a good point about the light at the end of the tunnel--they have to be able to see that light. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Student Feedback

Hi Michelle, The key in getting feedback is to process it in the context of improving the course. You make a very good point about even though students say it should be changed or dropped that will not occur. (your example--homework). The approach I take is to explain that even though I appreciate their input I will continue to do a certain thing because it is required by the school, a state regulation, good learning practice, etc. By giving the students an explanation I have found that they are very understanding of why something is done and why it will… >>>

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