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

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Jennifer, Thanks for the kind words about the module content. By your comments I know you are a dedicated and focused instructor that cares about her students. Keep the great attitude. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi James, I like it. Good way to get them focused again. I am sure they start to question in their minds if they are hearing what they are hearing and then they realize they have been set up. Good laugh and the class moves on. Good strategy. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Student Feedback

Hi Eva, Good comments about how to react and respond to student feedback. This way improvement is made and growth is experienced by everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Micheal, Sounds like your classes are a lot of fun, fast moving and high energy. This approach helps to keep the students engaged and focused on their learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Marc, Good cautionary point about using enthusiasm correctly. It has to be genuine or it will be more of a turn off than it is a motivator because students won't buy into it. New instructors can really benefit from this advice. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi All, A number of you made very good points about the need for a well organized and planned syllabus. The more information you can detail in the syllabus the less time you will spend on answering the same set of questions over and over again. Also, the students can see the the expectations, requirements and polices for the course and see how they are going to fit into the learning environment. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Ed, I agree as well. This is critical if students are going to have respect for an instructor. This is why it is important that colleges have a good method of screening their perspective faculty members. To hire someone that does not have the credentials is unethical and sets up students for failure. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Cindy, Well said concerning first impressions. By being confident, compassionate and trustworthy you have laid the foundation for success on the part of the students and yourself. Thanks for sharing this us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Chris, Good approach. You are right that both the students and instructor are nervous on the first day. A good laugh does a lot to help get the nerves settled. What are some things you do help your students to have a laugh? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Micheal, We need to pause at times and reflect on the opportunities we get to refresh ourselves and get ramped up again for the next course phase. By taking advantage of the breaks we can get our creative juices flowing again as be ready to fact the challenges that come with what we do. Gary

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