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

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Lloyd, Well said. Both of these areas are critical if an instructor is going to be a good model. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Gary, A question for most students from the first day of class is "am I in or am I out?". Human nature is to look at ways they are being excluded from a setting such as class. By using your methods they will feel included from the very beginning so they don't have to feel that they are trying to work their way into the class even though they don't have to. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Lloyd, Well said. Knowing yourself gives you a point of department from which you can plan your content and delivery methods. Your instructional style will become refined as a result of your knowing your abilities and aptitudes. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Louis, By having a well prepared syllabus you can share all aspects of the course and that way everyone gets off to a good start and are clear on the expectations. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Michael, Some schools are using a multiple intelligence assessment called "Talent Key" to identify the three dominant intelligences through which individuals process information. Instructors receive these profiles prior to class so they can plan how they will "communicate" the content in relation to the intelligence areas. There have been great results in using this information. You might want to look at the website www.micubed.com for more information if interested. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Dorian, Good point. As instructors we need to keep on top of how our students are receiving our content. This way we can make sure we are sending clear messages about what we expect of our students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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REFOCUS...

Hi Robert, Well said. You are fortunate that your field is changing so fast. You are right about never being bored because it seems there is something new almost every week. The challenge must be to keep up. At least your students know you are current since you are constantly introducing new material. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivation techniques...

Hi Dan, Like the way you bring two methods of motivation into your classroom. The first being their own as a result of their enrolling in the program and the external that comes from your being a role model for them of someone that has had success in the career. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivation techniques...

Hi Joseph, Good strategy. Concrete examples of money that can be earned, opportunities for growth and recognition of career levels are all ways of motivating students to keep working hard in their programs. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivation techniques...

Hi Steven, Well said. Often the sharing of your experiences will help students to see their own future potential. They can see standing in front of them someone that has gone through the training and is now ready to share the life experiences it has taken to be successful. This is a very powerful role model for them. Gary

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