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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Increasing Student Retention

Hi William, Way to go in rising to the challenge of working with a diverse student body. By having such a supportive attitude I know your students are going to benefit from your leadership and encouragement. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Reasons for Enrolling

Hi Ariana, What are some methods you use to help you learn about and understand your students' goals? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Hi Francine, Yes, they do like to know about what you have and are doing in the industry. It shows them how they can shape their careers and be successful. Part of the role model process that you are sharing with them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Deanna, Good way to make it "real" for your students. I am sure they enhance their self confidence when they get to work on coding real reports from real patients. This gets them one step closer to their career goal and that increases their motivation level. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Tim, Well said. The first impression is so important to getting the class off to a good start. So much easier to deal with a positive perception by students rather than trying to play catch up. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Hi Alan, Great response to the forum question. You are one of those instructors that is reflective on how courses can be improved even after teaching them many times. Experience is a great teacher so we need to learn from "teacher experience" each time we teach a course. I have to say WOW to for your having taught 70 different courses. Talk about the need for both depth and breadth! Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Ruth, Excellent point and one that every instructor needs to heed. We can be supportive but we cannot be buddies with them. We are the career model for them and we need to remember that as we help them to progress through the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi B Birdsong, You have a very good approach to helping your students be successful. Your personal touch in terms of support is very important for students like the three ladies you mentioned in your comments. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Ramon, What have you found to be an effective way of establishing rapport with your students? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Marshall, You make a great point on how to protect yourself with the syllabus. If it is there in print then there is little or no room for misunderstanding. This lets you move the class forward without getting too bogged down with minor questions. Gary

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