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.

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Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Hi Stacy, By having a preset curriculum how do you make course corrections when you see the students going off course? Do you have any freedom to make modifications at all? Thanks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Hi Jennifer, Good strategies for making the course "real" for the students. This will help to bridge the gap between classroom and employment. I really like the revisiting of the students answers so they can see the progress they have made. Many times they don't think they are progressing in the course yet when they stop and reflect they will see tremendous growth as occurred. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Tim, Good point. What do think are the most critical factors in setting up a supportive learning environment? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Tom, Great philosophy on teaching. Thanks for sharing it with us. You are a very student centered instructor and I know your students benefit greatly as a result of your efforts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivation techniques...

Hi Steven, I use the Jeopardy game in my classes and my students love it. Glad to hear of your success with it as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Hi Ann, You are trying to make your course content relevant and real for your students. This is what teaching is all about. Well done. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Learning Environment

Hi Celia, You have to decide how you are going to handle the laptop issue. I don't allow them. The reason is that I have had too many problems with them being open and not being used for notes. My students have not voiced any complaints with this since everyone knows my policy and accept it when taking my class. I give my students a lot of handouts so the note taking is not that big of issue with them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Ben, Great to hear that you have had such a positive experience with the modules. I can tell by your responses in the forums that you are dedicated to being a good instructor as well as continuing your professional growth. You are going to be a top quality instructor by keeping the attitude of learning that you have. I wish you much success in the future. If you have any future questions please feel free to call on me and I will try to be of help. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Andrew, I like your approach. The students have to assume ownership of their education at some point. You are the instructor, that means you have already graduated and have knowledge about the field. They haven't graduated. Sometimes I think they forget this fact as students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Brando, It is as you know much easier to lighten up than to rein in the students. By setting the stage early the students know your expectations and requirements. Then your personality can come through as you develop rapport with them throughout the course. Good job. I wish you the best in your teaching. Gary

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