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

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Emma, I think you find that the quiz will help to reinforce what you have covered the first day plus they will see how much they have learned in such a short time. You can have fun with this when you review the quiz with them the next class meeting which will help them to get settled even more into the class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Christine, Good way to start the course. Using your syllabus as a contract and planner helps to reduce confusion and frustration by students. They know what you expect and how you are going to proceed. This is key to their success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Nancy, Good example of how we need to be motivating and excited instructors. We need to see ourselves in the hosting role each time we step in the classroom. We can ask ourselves the question "is everyone engaged and talking with others while enjoying themselves at the party?" This is why planning is so critical in the process instruction. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Londa, It is amazing to me how often these critical elements are not covered or "lost" in training programs. In teaching a Career class you have a wonderful opportunity to share this information and then reinforce it with the students as they move into their specific career training classes. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Hi Patricia, Thanks for sharing your policy on cell phones. This is a real challenge for all of us instructors. This information will be of help to beginning instructors as they set their own policies on cell phones in the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Russell, Good point. Having been an instructor for many years I know as do you that with clear and concise goals the class flows much better. The students know the expectations and deadlines so the can work toward meeting them. Reduces misunderstandings and frustration. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Nancy, Good point about how understanding learner characteristics is a powerful instructional tool. Your examples of such are very good. Empowerment is a strong motivator for learners. Those that have had challenges in high school feel they are more of the learning process when they can explain what did and did not work for them previously. They are being self advocates and that is important to their learning process. It also gives the instructor a starting place for planning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Shelly, Good point about why knowing student characteristics is important. It also is good to know them from the instructors point because this knowledge can give a since of direction for the class to enable each student to achieve the needed goals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Patricia, You outline a good plan with balance to how you approach the classroom. As you mention the key is being reasonable with what you expect and know how to encourage and support all of your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Lori, Good point. By stopping and reflecting on progress made an instructor can get fired up to get back into the game and complete the course phase. It is fun to be excited about what you are doing and sharing it with others, in this case learners that will use what you are sharing in creating a future for themselves. Gary

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