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

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Hi Robert, You make a good point about how intuitive instructors make necessary adjustments in their delivery methods as dictated by student dynamics. This is a very important part of being a successful instructor plus it lets you bring creativity into the classroom by trying new methods and strategies. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Sharon, Good points. What you have outlined is the instructor's version of a GPS for teaching. Just like the GPS through preparation and planning you can chart a course that will result in student learning and satisfaction from having a well prepared and presented lesson. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Robert, You make a good point about wanting to make your students feel comfortable in the class. What are some ways you encourage your students to ask for help and to express their feelings in the class? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Hi Colette, Good point. Early intervention with a potential dropout really helps to keep them focused and engaged so they don't leave the program. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Hi Robyn, This is the fun part of teaching. We get to change the pace, delivery and content to keep students engaged and our creativity at a high level. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Karen, I use "60 second" term papers. Where I have the students write down in one minute what they have learned during the lecture. It is short and the students like the process because they can put on paper something they have just learned. You can get a real feel for what they are learning by reading their papers. I also us 3x5 cards and have give feedback on what they have learned as they leave class. If you want additional information or if I can answer any other questions please let me know. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Hi Karen, This are great ideas to draw in those students that may not want to contribute that much to class discussions and interactions. Activities like this serve a motivators for such students and I have found that slow but sure these students will become more involved as the course progresses. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Hi Jeannette, It was good to work with you as well. I would be interested in any work that you have done in the area of EI. As I mentioned I want to research how EI and Multiple Intelligences and be blended to increase learning and student satisfaction. I will keep your offer of help in mind as well. Thanks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Erin, Support systems are so critical in helping students achieve success in school. I like the way you talk about support systems and how they can be created at the beginning of the course. This way the students can be looking for how they can set up a support system that will meet their needs. Often they don't think of such things until it is too late. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Lizzeth, I wish you the best on your first day. Let me know how you make out with your class and the all important first impression. Gary

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