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 Laurie, Thank you for sharing these great retention strategies. Your example of meeting a student in the hall and being able to call them by name is a powerful retention tool. Instructors often don't know how powerful this really is. A simple act but one with much motivation behind it. The online strategies are very important because as you noted it is easy for them to feel left out since they don't meet physically. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Solita, Thank you for sharing this example of how you can work with a student in a way that is supportive and assists with success. It sounds like she was able to to acquire the skills necessary and complete the course. I am sure she is excited about her future as result of all the effort you and your college put into her development. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Matthew, Good point about how to keep fresh in your teaching. It is real easy to fall into the rut of doing the same thing over and over. By adding different things like those you mentioned you can remain fresh and excited about teaching the same course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Sara, Good advice for instructors that want to get the "big picture" of how the curriculum is put together for the students in their field. I think it is good that you get to see the students at the beginning and then at the end of their coursework. You can see how they have grown in experience and skill throughout their time as students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivation techniques...

Hi Avalokita, I like your style. Having fun while learning is a way to keep the students focused and engaged in the learning process. I wish you the best in your efforts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Bob, I know you are going to expand your expertise in these areas as evidenced by your dedication to teaching. Plus, it is a lot of fun to try new and creative things in your classroom. It helps to keep your interest up as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Heather, Well said in relation to working with diverse students with different academic skills as well as motivation levels. You make a good point about how you must hold the standards of the course since you are helping them to get the skills they need to be successful in career field. Listening and being aware of their personal issues is important but it cannot take away from the end goal of the class. They have to do the work and develop the required skills. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Jeremy, With discussion the students can see how their contributions to the class are being integrated into the learning. This raises their level of engagement as well as their interest. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Jeremy, In using the discussion and conversation method of teaching you have found it fits your students learning preferences and your personality better. What have been the key things you have found as you have developed this participatory learning method? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Joel, Thank you for sharing your strategy for getting students involved in the discussion and interaction part of your course. It is a challenge to get student involved when it is an online course and you have found a method that really works well in this area. Gary

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