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 Sandy, What are some strategies that you have used to keep your students motivated? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi "Doc", Good points about teaching gen ed classes. I teach required courses and the students have an attitude from the beginning since they are required to pass the courses in order to stay in the program. I like to use your approach and it brings me great joy to see them get excited about the content and how it can be applied to their lives. This to me is value added instruction. Keep up the excitement your students will be benefiting each time you teach the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi "Doc", Nothing wrong with a walk in the great outdoors to help refresh one's mind. The learning break helps the students to refocus themselves and it does wonders for us as well. The discussion with the students helps them to see what progress they have made and what they need to do next. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi "Doc", I really like the approach your college uses in student retention. By using the team approach the students can see that everyone is concerned and supportive of their success. This way they know they can call upon anyone from the college should they need some additional help. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi "Doc", Well put. The key is getting the students to see how this sojourn will result in their moving closer to their career goals. Once they do they can capture the essence the content and skill development and how both will contribute to their future. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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REFOCUS...

Hi William, Well said. We need to constantly "read" our students so we can provide the support that is needed when it is needed. This is how we continue to develop as professionals and increase our abilities to meet student expectations. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivation techniques...

Hi Jeffery, Your point about intimidation is a good one. Students that lack in self confidence when coming back to school after a number of years are in real need of encouragement and support because everything can seem to overwhelm them. With reinforcement they can take each class as it comes and complete the required work leading to their career success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Jason, Good for you. A well defined professional development plan will help to keep you on target with your skill and knowledge development as an educator. Your increased skills will be of benefit of both your students and yourself. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Jeff, You are right about the sharing of your own fears or frustrations with students. This also helps the students to see the instructor in a more human light since they realize that instructors have many of the same concerns as do they. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Jerry, Great list of contributors to professional confidence and delivery. By having this list completed, planned for and ready to share with students new classes will get off to a good start. Gary

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