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

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Robert, Good analysis of how you can plan your instruction for a number of classes. I have found the same thing in my teaching. This method also helps to reduce the amount of planning for your entire teaching load so you can concentrate on adding additional activities and other such instructional improvements. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Adam, Not really if you spend a few minutes chatting with students each day before class, during breaks, etc. You will find that you quickly can develop a bit of background and understanding about each student that will help you with your planning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Deb, This is one of the enjoyable parts of being an instructor. You get to analyze students' needs and then be creative in coming up with solutions to their learning pathways. Understanding your students lets you customize instruction for an entire class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Ken, Thank you for this excellent list. You have a deep and experienced perspective on why instructors need to learn about their students. I can see from the list that you have worked with many different types of students and have a wide variety of techniques you can use to meet their individual needs. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi David, Old technique still very effective. Repetition is an effective learning too. Thanks for sharing it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Gladine, Good points about how to make expectations clear. What are some methods you use to help them see how the new knowledge will be of benefit to them? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Marsa, It is important to help the adult learners to see the big picture of the course so they can see how they fit into it just as you say. What have you found to be the biggest challenge your adult learners face in getting settled into a new course? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Debi, Right you are about students having additional questions concerning the syllabus or the course. By having a well developed syllabus you are helping the students to see the course in a big picture way and then they can ask their individual questions so they can see how they fit into the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi David, Analogies are great as you say for giving mental pictures to students in terms of understanding and using key concepts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Rebecca, This is a great list of professional development strategies. I commend you for seeking these opportunities out and integrating your new skills and knowledge into your instruction. Your students are going to benefit greatly from your dedication. Gary

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