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

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Ginny, You are right about the need for a supportive learning environment. What might be considered as being little things can really influence the learning of students. As instructors we need to be aware of the physical as well as the social/emotional tone we set for the class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Lisa, This sounds like a great approach because it has the students look back from where they were to where they are. They get so busy with life and school that they often miss the fact they are learning a lot and getting closer to their career goals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Diane, Well said! Instructors have to keep the energy level up in the classroom. If they don't then it is going to be a long course. Not to mention how much fun is missed watching the student learn and progress toward their career goals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Jennifer, Right you are about students noticing if you are excited about the course or not. We have to be to be fair to our students. We need to look for ways of challenging ourselves so we remain fresh and ready to teach each day. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Steven, You make a number of very good points about the learning environment. The interruptions one is especially important. I had a fellow instructor that thought it was ok to walk into my class and tell my students a new joke he had heard. I talked with him about this but he didn't get it and he continued doing it on a regular basis. I finally locked the door to my lab so he couldn't interrupt anymore. He finally got the picture that I did not want him interrupting my class. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to regain… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Lisa, You make a very good point. We need to work even harder with our students to help them see that they have a future. If they are not helped to be forward focused they will spin out and drop and then they have nothing. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi David, This is very good because students need to see the connection between what they are learning and real life situations. You are bridging that gap to the real world with your examples. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Jon, Good use of student feedback in your planning. By seeking input you are able to be reflective of the needs of your students at that point in time and make changes as they are needed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Robert, Thank you for the comments about begging, borrowing and "stealing" of ideas, strategies and activities that can be used in one's classroom. We use the CASE model at my university. Copy And Share Everything. A model much like your copycat/rat method. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Charles, Right you are about making an impact on the students by remembering their names even after they have completed the course. This makes it personal for the students as they know you know their names because they are important rather than just the fact they you knew their names while they were in your course. Gary

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