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

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Michael, That is why I always volunteer to go on site visits at culinary schools. The beauty, texture and taste of the food makes the trip worthwhile even when I have to set through long meetings. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Margie, This is a good example of how the general items of a course can be handled while the specifics can be targeted by the addendum. This way the students receive accurate and comprehensive information. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Reasons for Enrolling

Hi Ellen, This is a great way to get the students thinking in a holistic way. It is not just that they need to be successful as students they need to be successful so they can help people. They need to see the big picture of their preparation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Rosie, Good point! One of the simplest and most effective inventions in the world is the speed bump. It is non-mechanical, just lays there, yet does it job over and over and over. No telling how much money has been spent fixing damage that has been caused by people going to fast over speed bumps. This is something that students need to learn. The bumps are there so they need to slow down and go slowly over them and not let the bumps "derail" their education in the process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Michael, Good suggestion. I am a big fan of variety and the use of fun activities at different times to help students get settled and reduce stress. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Melonie, Good strategies. Through your efforts your students know you are aware of their status in the course and are available to talk with them about their work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Hi Stephanie, Well said. Immediate use of newly acquired knowledge is a powerful motivator. This is what drives most adult learners. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Hi Diane, This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing it. This gives you good feedback but is done in a easy going manner so the students can feel comfortable in making their comments. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Katie, This is a great list to follow as you define and refine your instructional style. The result is going to be an instructor that is student centered and professional in all areas. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Sharon, Welcome to the teaching profession. You are going to have a wonderful career working with students. As a new instructor you are right on target in your statement about the need to do some reflective thinking and deciding on the persona you are going to bring to the class. Gary

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