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

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Nancy, What are some strategies you use to meet the list of attributes you shared with us? These are all great ways of supporting students so the more ways we all know how to do them the better our students will be served. Thanks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Fiji, The first step is to see what the students have to have to meet the standards of the field at the conclusion of your course and then work backward to the first day. What foundational knowledge must they have and the what sequence of instruction will help them progress each time the class meets? Also, stop and reflect on the content and then break it down into bite size chunks of content. This will be the core of our outline and lesson planning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Natalie, You make a number of good comments about how to keep students engaged in the learning process. Acquiring an education is an ongoing process so each time they do make a mistake they are adding to their education. It is our job to make sure they see that rather than they didn't achieve what they wanted to the first time they did a project. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Luis, The more senses you can incorporate into your teaching the higher the content retention will be. Through your use of auditory and visualization techniques your students are getting different perspectives in terms of how they internalize the content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Jillian, Right you are about having to use different strategies for getting online students to become invested in the course. What are some of the methods that you use to do such? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Jason, I do this as well depending on the make up of the class. I find this is fun because I get to be creative and it offers me variety. This helps to increase my excitement and interest in the course even though I have taught it many times before. It is easy to get bored with a class you teach 6 times a year but by adapting the instructional delivery to meet the needs of the current students it is still a fun course to teach. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Jason, Right you are. This is why it is so important to have a well developed syllabus. It is a working document that helps to guide student and support the instructor. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Debbi, This is such a powerful motivator. By using their knowledge you are reinforcing their value to the class and this helps them build the self confidence needed to be successful. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Edward, What are some strategies that you use to get some insight into what is motivating your students? Thanks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Richard, Right you are about the need for variety in your instructional delivery. Students thrive on different delivery formats and learning opportunities. Your point about recognizing the life experiences of non-traditional learners is good as well. This recognition helps them to see that they are going to be able to successfully contribute to the course. A real confidence builder. Gary

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