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

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Kim, This is a powerful point. Students need to see instructors as humans and that they have gone through the same training and similar life experiences as the students are now experiencing. This helps to create strong connection and the base for developing rapport. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Kim, I have found like you that by using a baseline measurement I get an accurate picture of where my students are in relation to the course we are starting. Did you develop your own baseline measurement or do you use a commercial one. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Jay, What have been some of the strategies that you have used to help your students to see that you value them and want to help them with their success? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Nancy, Well said concerning the need to be understanding of where the students are coming from. We are seeing so many mid-career individuals that are coming back to school and trying to reinvent themselves with a new career choice. These folks need real support during these trying times. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Heather, You have a great background upon which to draw in your current position. You know based upon your research what your students are in need of to stay in school and focused on their career development. The listening part you discuss is so critical for non-traditional students. They need to know you care about their success and as a result they feel that they can continue with their studies and be successful. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Cheryl, Good comments about how to keep the students focused. You are right about students wanting variety and change in the educational flow. These elements all serve to help the students to be engaged in their career development. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Ian, You hit on several things that really impact students and those are a clear syllabus and ongoing feedback. These are essential to keep the students forward focused and engaged in their career growth. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Matching Content to Need

Hi Vicki, Good plan you have developed for yourself to expand your delivery options. I know you are going to really enjoy developing these new methods as well as using your creativity to devise these methods. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivation techniques...

Hi Matthew, Good discussion of how "extra credit or bonus points" can be used as effective learning devices. The connection to the real world is very important for the students and anything like this you can do to help with the connection is valued. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Andrea, Thank you for sharing the setup of your learning environment. I am sure this is going to be of much help to instructors that are just starting their teaching careers. Gary

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