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 Instruction Relevant

Hi Jose, I dedicate so much time each day to respond to all of the forum comments. By setting aside the time like this I don't fall behind and then have to spend long hours catching up. I do the same with my workout routine. I believe to stay mentally sharp you need to be physically fit as well. They both a part of my daily routine. I have to do it this way or I would fall behind in my responses. Also, I have to practice what I advocate and that is prompt feedback to participants. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Bret, This is a very good point. Many students are putting themselves out there by coming back to school. They are nervous and not sure they can be successful. By knowing they have an understanding and supportive instructor their comfort level will increase and they will be much more confident in their ability to be successful in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Dewee, Your last point is one that is often overlooked by students as they progress through their training. The network of associates that they are developing will be extremely valuable as their career progresses. Thanks for sharing this. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Being Successful in College

Hi Wendy, There is nothing like support and encouragement from an authority figure to help with the development of self esteem for students. By helping them to succeed you are providing both. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Olivia, Good point. Congratulations on your high retention rate. This is a complement to all of the faculty and staff at your college and their dedication to the success of your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Hi Dave, The use of variety in your instructional delivery is important just as you have outlined. The mini-lecture format and then a discussion, Q&A session, etc. gives the students a mental break and helps to keep them engaged. As for breaks this all depends on the flow of the class. I like several shorter breaks myself though I don't make a big deal of how and when the breaks will occur because once I do the students start to watch the clock as we get closer to the announced break time. This means I lose valuable class time as… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Tim, You are right about this story qualify as a student success story. Wow, she went on to really show her abilities as a leader and a life long learner. I love hearing stories like this because they inspire all of us to work even harder as educators. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Richard, This is a good question about how to relate to and engage students in larger classes quickly. I teach the format with some of my classes so I only physically see my students once a week for 15 weeks. Hard to stay on top of their situation if they are on the bubble of leaving school. What I do is communicate with them via email. I ask them questions and interact in discussion with them. This gives me a very good picture of where they are at in terms of the course and their stability in achieving success.… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Suzanne, Good points about how an instructor needs to connect with the students. Through the establishment of rapport students and instructor can develop a relationship that enables career growth and development to occur. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Cynthia, It is so much easier to establish and enforce your class management polices if the students see you as a person of authority that is following such polices. Also, they can see how through your modeling of the proper behaviors how these behaviors will help them in their career growth later on. Gary

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