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 Katie, Well said. Early and often! This is what keeps them focused on staying in school. The easiest thing to do is fail. I share with my students that with failure you can blame others and never feel responsible for yourself. With success comes decisions of all kinds, where you live, car you drive, work you do, etc. Which position would you prefer making life decisions or letting someone else make them? I want them to see the value of the effort they are making. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Nancy, You created a very clear image of how the younger and older students approach their learning. The second paragraph highlights a very common problem we have in our classes today. I am currently working with a student that came late, missed excessive classes but in her opinion worked hard when she was there so she deserves a higher grade than she got. My response was "yes, you worked hard when you were in class, but you missed 70% of the class and the work when it was turned in did not meet the standards of the field." This… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Kevin, This is a great idea of how to use the abilities and learning preferences of all the students within a learning group. Each gets to contribute and benefit from sharing with the other team members. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Jannette, I like the way you are spreading the circle of influence and knowledge for your students. It is easy just to share the content but not the applications. Your approach helps them to see the bigger picture of how what they are learning is going to position them for success in the future. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Julie, A lot of instructors use a survey to gather the basic information about their students. This helps with the planning of the different delivery methods that will be used throughout the course. It also helps the instructors with remembering the students by being able to connect their responses with students' names. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Amanda, The sharing of content and then reinforcing it with application is a great teaching technique. The instructor stories show how the content can be used in real world settings and why it is important for them to remember it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi David, A clear understanding of the career goals of students is very important. This way you can help them achieve their goals and create a future for themselves. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Katie, Through your comments you laid out a comprehensive plan for how you can address the individual strengths and needs of each student. Well done and I am sure you are enjoying your teaching career. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Jannette, You have a great foundation for your instructional delivery through your previous training. As you are aware of how the students start the connection process with the instructor from the first day you know how to make sure those connections are positive and supportive. Well done. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Christine, Good to hear about the way you REFOCUS and get your excitement up. This to me is the fun part of teaching. To get to be creative and try something new is expanding my instructional skill level plus I get to see the students learn in new ways. Everyone wins in this situation. Gary

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