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 All, There have been a number of very good points concerning the value of good first impressions in classes. You all are right on the mark when you say that it is so much easier to keep the interest of the student if the first class meeting goes well. Also, by presenting yourself in a professional way you are setting a standard for the course and your field which the students can follow for their own career growth. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Michael, You make a good point that not only are the students learning the technical aspects of becoming surgical technologist they are learning about how different professionals approach their setting. By having this experience you will enabling them to have better coping skills once employed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Alexander, What are some ways that you bring your students into the curriculum? Thanks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Alas, I'm not real clear about the question you are asking. But, I do know that clear goals and objectives increase the comfort level of students significantly so they can focus on the course requirements, polices and expectations. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Jerri, This is why branding is so important. The students need to put forth the effort to separate themselves from the herd in terms of professional ability. As you say word travels fast be it good or bad so they need to listen to your advice about how they can establish a positive reputation and increase their employability. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Hi Jennifer, The three words that you listed are essential. Communicate, communicate, communicate. That is what rapport development is all about. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Ellen, I am a big fan of case studies myself. My students really like working through them because it starts giving connection to the real world that they are going to be entering very shortly. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Thomas, Once students are engaged in the learning process they really light up and want to come back for more instruction. This is what keeps you coming back to the classroom over and over. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Bill, Thank you for the compliments about the module. I agree with you and I hope that these topics do come up at your faculty meetings and in-service trainings. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Hi Rennie, Your comments outline what good preparation is all about. Using your method instructors will have their material, syllabus and handouts ready for the class. In addition, they will have a master plan of assessment that includes a grading rubric. This way the students can come into the course and be given a clear and concise picture of what is going to occur in the class and what the expectations are for them. Gary

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