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

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Ming-Ning, This is so important because through clear goals and objectives the students know what the course expectations, requirements and polices are. This helps to get them settled into and comfortable with the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Joseph, Right you are. This to me is part of the fun of being a teacher. We get to be creative and come up with different ways of presenting the material. This helps to keep us excited about the course as well as the students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Cheryl, This is what I call "connecting the dots". The students start to see that what they are learning in the class can be used outside of the class and in their own lives. They go "wow", didn't think of that when it has been there all the time. We just help them to connect the dots to create a picture of their future that is revealed when the dots are connected. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Ayberk, What are the ways you go about getting to know the characteristics of your students? Do you talk with them, have them fill out a form, etc.? Thank you in advance for sharing this information with us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Rennie, Great strategy for staying current on how your course content should be delivered based upon the students that are enrolled in your classes. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Jill, In addition to helping your students to be more engaged you will have more excitement about what you are teaching since you will be having more success with your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Hi Walter, As with any procedure one has to use what works for them. You can start the class anyway you want that gives the students a sense of acceptance, comfort and excitement. By introducing yourself first you are establishing that you are an experienced professional that can take the students through the course in such a manner that they will profit from your teaching. These are only suggestions so feel free to modify in anyway that will work in your situation. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Kristie, Since your field is application based it is important for the students to be able to integrate the knowledge they have with the problem solving skills they need. Relevancy and application are the key words for the education they are receiving. Students need to develop a strong working memory based upon their storage and retrieval abilities. Repeated use of procedures and applications enables them to do such. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Ming-Ning, Good list for providing support to students. You have covered the cognitive and social aspects of instruction and it is important that both be a part of the delivery process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Bryan, This is true in many cases with marginal students that are ready to drop out. With some support and encouragement and someone that cares about their success behind them they can catch fire and be successful. We need to be on are guard for such students so we can provide such support. Gary

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