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

Motivating Learners

Hi Jo Anne, Learning needs to be fun. This doesn't mean that the students don't work hard at learning it just means that at different times they can laugh, play a game or interact with each other in a problem solving situation. You are offering this kinds of activities so the students can experience the excitement and joy of personal growth. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Barbara, These three ideas are great. I really like the use of the journal. By making notes as the course progresses you can really target areas for change or improvement as you get to that point the next time you teach the course. I have found if I don't keep such a journal it is easy for that part of the course to sneak up on me and I haven't made the changes I had planned on making. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Shirley, Right you are. The more total body connection you can create the higher the retention rate of content is going to be. By providing content that lets the students taste, touch, smell, see and manipulate the content the more successful are going to be. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Shirley, The key is in learning development is to customize the delivery of content to the current students. Each class is different which requires some thinking about how the content can be better shared to their benefit. Also, the more you know about how individuals process information the more you will know about how to provide the learning supports that are needed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Jeffrey, This is a great motivator. From day one they know what they are going to be able to do if they put forth the effort. Keep this type of effort going. Your students are really benefiting from this. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Ben, Good strategy. Students like to problem solve and you are giving them such an opportunity with very little pressure being put on them. Keep looking for these type of techniques that will enhance the involvement of your students in the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Gina, You make an excellent point about why a syllabus needs to be well thought out and well laid out. This is a life line for students so it needs to be clear for them as they get settled into a new course and the stress level is high. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Carol, I would have her outline what her expectations are for the course. She could write them down in narrative form or in a list. She could do it as a homework assignment so she wouldn't be under pressure in class. Then take the list or narrative and put it beside the course syllabus or outline. This will give her a graphic picture of the expectations that facing her in the course. Then talk with her about how those expectations can be met. See what her response is. Once you have her response you can create a contract of… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Ejike, Good to hear. If you have any further questions please let me know. I will be glad to help out. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Phonesavanh, This is a great idea for "setting the stage" for is going to happen that day. When the students walk in and see the seat arrangement they know what is going to occur that day. This is a great heads up for them. Gary

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