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

Motivating Learners

Hi Selinza, Well said. Your last sentence says it all "A Nurse". You are a nurse because you chose to be and you are helping others to become nurses as well. This is your passion and it shows. The more the students can see your passion the more motivated they will become as they progress through their education to become nurses. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Barbara, I have found that the standardized course evaluation forms result in little or no helpful information. The questions asked do not accurately reflect the course since the questions are based upon such general instructional concerns. As for the changes that are made by corporate I'm not sure how to respond because the scores are what they are. No adjustments need to be made. As for the course specific evaluations I develop my own and find that I get good accurate information that I can use in planning for my course in the future. I ask the questions that… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Dana, You are doing the right thing in making adjustments in your course format as needed. By being responsive to the emerging needs of your students you are demonstrating your ability to cope with diversity in the learning needs of your students. As long as you are consistent with your grading polices and assignments there is no problem with changing the course format. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Joanne, In the large classes I use structured outlines to keep the students engaged. They follow the outlines while I am lecturing and then we discuss the points that have been highlighted on the outlines. I lecture for 15-20 minutes have a discussion and then repeat the format. I give the students the outlines for each class session so they know exactly what we are going to cover and what I consider the key points to be. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Thomas, Thank you for sharing this example of when someone cares about you success can be achieved. By taking the time to encourage and support your friend he was able to regroup and get back into college. He has the opportunity to have a successful career as a result of your input. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Brandon, I would break the second class up into learning groups and have them work on case studies or problem situations. The groups can present to the class on the various topics that you cover in the class. This way the students trying to emerge as class leaders can be the leaders of their learning groups and they won't push you so hard to be the total class leaders. It is a strategy based upon the old battle idea of "divide and conquer". Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Hi Jose, I will be talking with my other team members after the Holiday break and will get you some more information about using the Legos as problem solving devices. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Reinforcement as Motivation

Hi Jody, What are some strategies that you use to reinforce or encourage a student that needs a boost of self confidence? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Royal, So important for students to understand. You need to have pride in your career area and enjoy being a part of that profession. If you don't then you need to find a career that will enable you to have that pride and excitement about being a part of it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Cheryl, This also helps to create a connection between the instructor and the students. By knowing student goals an instructor can plan activities and assignments that can target those goals. Gary

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