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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Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Elizabeth, Great ideas for getting involved in your professional development. These types of activities and organizations really help to expand your knowledge base as well as increasing your network of professionals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Douglas, I think you will see a higher level of retention and improved performance with your new approach. Let me know how you come out with this effort. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi John, I teach a six hour class from 4 until 10pm. I really enjoy the class now that I have taught it enough to where I know how to pace the lectures, class activities and learning strategies. The key is variety and pace. By keeping the students moving about with activities and projects the evening goes very quickly but I am exhausted at the end of the class because of the energy expended keeping everything moving. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi John, I like this approach as well. I use case studies often and get really good results from all of my students. They really like to work in small groups on projects like these. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Evan, Good way to start a class off. By being specific and giving examples of your expectations the students know what they are going to have to do if they are going to be successful in the course. This way they can focus on course content rather than fretting about what the instructor wants. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Hi Charlene, You are right on about the need for the instructor to see the big picture. If they don't see how the course fits into the holistic preparation picture then the students won't see it either. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Hi Elizabeth, This is so important because for most students it doesn't take long before they forget the reason they enrolled in college. They get so bogged down with everyday life that learning starts to slip off their "to do" list so a reminder helps to get them back on course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Hi Carrie, This is how you get buy in from students. By being able to work on their own projects they get to see the value of the content they are learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Student Feedback

Hi Mike, This is a great way to get a read on the course. In addition, I am sure it helps you with developing rapport with your students. These informal types of chats help the students to see that they are valued as contributors to development of the class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Richard, You hit upon a key point. The students need to know that you care about them and their success. This is how rapport is developed. Also, they know you are there for them should they need your input or advice. By knowing this students are more engaged in the learning process. Gary

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