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

Matching Content to Need

Hi Mary Ann, Great job with your course content. I like to teach this way as well. Students need to be able to problem solve and seek solutions that is what education is all about. By using metaphors and analogies you are showing them the way. Good job. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Warren, Good planning also helps to reduce stress on the part of instructors. If we are organized and have planned everything out we are then ready to go when the class started. If we are running around trying to pull things together at the last minute then stress is going to take over. None of us needs that. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning Environment

Hi Nolan, You are right about the instructor needing to be the core of what is happening in the learning environment. The physical can be overcome but the affective and cognitive has to be in place in order for this to happen. So even though we may have to teach in a setting that is not the best if we set the tone for the class there will still be great learning occurring. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Sharlen, I really like the way you are giving your students a gift that they can use throughout their lives. The gift of learning. The journal method gives them the tools it takes to such such activities a part of their lives. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Robert, You are right about needing to introduce variety into longer classes like your 4 hour one. I teach 3 hour classes and I have to work very hard to keep the students engaged during that period of time. The enjoyable part of teaching though is coming up with activities that will keep the students interested. What are some of the things you do to keep student interest over the length of your class? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Sharlen, You are correct about needing to refocus each time we teach a course. This helps us to remain fresh as well as be more effective with our students. What have you found to be the most effective way for you to refocus yourself as you start a new course? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Shantana, Good professional development plan. You are working to stay current with both the technical aspects of your field as well as the delivery of content. Always let your personality shine through as you mentioned because that is who you are. Your personality is what your students will be seeing when they learn about the field and associate you as a model with success in their careers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Sharlen, This method of asking questions of those already in the field helps to reinforce what you are trying to teach them but they may not have heard it clearly. The communication skills area is one that a majority of our students really need help in. Anything we can do to facilitate their growth in this area will help to make them more successful. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Sean, You are right on with this. These individuals can give concrete accurate input on where your program and curriculum should be to reflect the current status of the field. That is as real as it gets for students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Natalie, I like your use of the real world setting to impose real world standards on how you will operate your class and evaluate the students. They are getting ready to enter such a world so they should be prepared to be successful in it. Way to go. Gary

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