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

REFOCUS...

Hi Samuel, Right you are about wearing down during the course. This is why it is so important not to let teaching become routine but recharge and refocus so the material and approach remains fresh. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Nicole, I teach in a similar situation. My classes run three hours in a windowless classroom with uncomfortable deskchairs. I have to work very hard to keep the class moving forward and the students staying engaged. The fun part is that I get to be creative on how best to do all of the instructional delivery. Each class is a new adventure and this keeps me from ever getting bored. I hope it is the same with your teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Stephen, I wish you well in your graduate work on your Masters. Professional development as you know is a series of steps that help move you forward. In your Masters program you will have access to all types of learning theories and developments. Enjoy your time in the program as you see opportunities to improve your skills. Currently I am the advisor to 60 students working on their Masters programs. All of them are students like yourself who are experienced educators looking for additional professional development. They come from many different backgrounds and experiences but they all have the… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Ernest, I am humbled by your kind words. As a educator I try to have a positive influence and impact on all those in whom I come in contact. One of those ways is through the sharing of ideas and strategies on how all of us can do a better job of teaching. I have learned much from the forums and exchanges over the past few weeks. Thank you for your input. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Matthew, The very things that makes an individual successful in a career can challenge them when they are learning about that career. With many of your students as sight learners you are in need of developing instructional pathways that will enable them to learn in such a way. From your description of how you approach the classroom/lab/kitchen you are doing just that. The key is to customize and I can tell you have developed a lot of skills in this area as evidenced by how you are providing your instruction. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivation techniques...

Hi Marisa, You have captured the essence of why sharing one's career experiences is important for students. They know you know your field and have been successful in it or you wouldn't be teaching it. Plus, it does as you say make you approachable since you have been where they want to go and that is successful in their career field. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Lynn, In our culture of blame shifting the signing of a document that says I have received the course syllabus which outlines the expectations, requirements, and policies helps to keep the focus on accountability for the students. This is why I use this method as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi David, You have shared a balanced approach to providing a supportive and motivating learning environment to and for your students. By being aware of all of these components your students will see that you are dedicated to providing them the maximum learning opportunities. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi John, You have shared in my opinion a great balance between the sharing of content and the application of that content. Ways of allowing students to immediately use newly acquired knowledge is critical. You strategy enables that to occur at many different points. Great job. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Ernest, I agree with you on the intrinsic component. We can get the perfect learning environment but if we are not reaching the intrinsic needs of the students the "take aways" for the students will be little or none. They have to internalize why they are in the class and learning what they are. There are three areas in which students function in classes the physical, social and cognitive. By functioning in these three areas they will develop knowledge and skills that will enable them to achieve entrance in their career field. If they have internalized the "big picture"… >>>

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