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 Brenna, I think plants add a nice touch. They reflect your personality and how you want the educational environment to be. I am sure this approach is very supportive for your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Jeffrey, You are who you are and that becomes a part of your teaching personality. Your students can see that you are a caring and supportive instructor and this will go a long way in helping them to develop respect for what you are doing for them in the classroom/lab. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Robert, I wish you the best in this teaching effort. Once you get through the course a few times you will start to see where you can add activities that will support student learning. It is at this time more "aha" moments start to occur and you will get more satisfaction from all the effort you are putting forth in preparation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Brenna, Try it again and this time not only tell them it will be on the quiz but give them an example of how they can use the information in their lives. Create a connection between class and their memories. You should see different results since they will be storing the information in their working memory instead of just the cognitive memory. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Brenna, You are right on with your professional development through your method of trying something new each course phase. This lets you be creative and excited about each class each time, plus you find all kinds of new ways of presenting the material. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Maggie, One thing you could do is to have the students "shadow" someone that is in their career area and write a report about their experiences. Have them interview people in the community that are using the skills you teach and then have them report on their findings. The key point is to help them see how the content you are teaching will be used in their lives and how applications of the content can be made in their lives outside of class. Tie your content directly into the courses that are offered in your college skill areas will… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Cindy, This method reduces confusion on the part of students. It is there before them. They can read it and then ask any questions they have. This way they leave with a clear understanding of the expectations, requirements, and policies for the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Mark, Good understanding of your field and your students. By knowing this you are making adjustments in your instructional delivery so you are more effective in getting the learning across that is needed by your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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REFOCUS...

Hi Brian, What are some methods you have used to inspire your students when they get worn down during the course? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Mark, I wish you much success with your middle school students. I taught them as well. They are a most interesting bunch to say the least. They made me smile each day they walked into my class due to the perspective on life. You are right about the need to "perform" for students no matter what has occurred before the class. Yes, the stakes are high for students since we are a part of their future and we have to make sure our impact is positive and supportive to their future career success. Gary

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