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 Enez, You are correct about the need for a supportive environment. By having such you reduce distractions and get your students focused on the content quicker. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Alice, I like your approach to finding and using "real life" applications of math as much as is possible. If the students can see the application and relevancy of the math they are learning then they will be much more involved. With your public school experience I know you have many novel and different approaches to teaching math. Use this experience as you identify those manipulatives that will work for adults. Though sometimes it doesn't take much for adults to get into these items even if they are for children. I use Lego kits when I want my students… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Christopher, Key point about the instructional setting reflecting the culture of the industry as close as is possible. The students need to see what they are preparing to enter in the most realistic way possible. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Christopher, This approach also gets student buy in. They get to think and then verbalize what they perceive the expectations for the course as being. Their self evaluation of the first assignment in relation to expectations really gives them the idea of where they need to go as the course progresses. Great job. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Molly, This time of year is always difficult as warm weather has a way of taking the interest of students outside on onto other activities. You right on with the variety of locations and strategies you are using to keep the students focused. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Ricardo, Well said. This is why we instructors do what we do. The impact we have on the lives of our students is difficult to measure but when a thank you is given then the impact is realized. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Ricardo, I know you are going to develop the blend between commentary and demonstration quite easily. Once you get comfortable in "talking" and "doing" you be able to lead your student through the required steps in good order. It is a skill much like what you have developed over the years in the production of fine pastries. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Garry, I like your "prep" work as you get ready to teach. It starts early in the parking lot and continues throughout the teaching day. You do have a part to play in the lives of the students and you are creating a legacy due to that influence. You are creating an opportunity for them to have a future through your efforts. Keep that focus. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Ken, You did an excellent job of responding. You gave a comprehensive picture of how you approach the classroom and your students. I commend you for the excellent work you are doing. By being aware of all of the factors within the learning environment both physical and cognitively you are providing instructional support at a very high level. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Fortuna, Thank you for sharing this great example of using food terms as a integral form of acquiring proficiency in another language. You are right about the language of food being universal. When you combine food and laughter you have a winner. I have found that when traveling internationally when I am in a market place by pointing and smiling I am soon being offered some wonderful food along with sharing a laugh with the stall vendor. I always walk away feeling very satisfied both physically and mentally. Gary

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