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

Motivation techniques...

Hi Shelley, Thank you so much for the kind words. It is always enjoyable to be able to help another professional in the development of their professional skills. If I can be of any additional help to you please let me know. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Brad, I agree with you about the trial and error method being low on the list. I really like your quote. It really makes sense to me as I think in many cases I am the "other people" as I try new strategies that do not work out near as well as I know they will when I am planning them alone at my desk in the late evening. Once they see the light of day and my students react to them I realize that once again I have learned something and that is not to ever do that… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Doris, Great to hear about the success you had with using a pre-test. I use them in my classes and find them extremely helpful because they help me to see the baseline from which my students are operating and I can plan my instruction accordingly. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Doris, Reading the class and how students are reacting and interacting with each other is essential for good class management. Respect is critical on the part of everyone in the class so each person can feel a part of the class and that he/she can contribute to the total content of the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Liz, A way to get better organized with all aspects of your teaching is to target one area and then focus on it. Use a check sheet to make sure you have the syllabus completed, handouts prepared, and case studies printed. Once you feel you have control of these areas then move to another area and get everything ready to go. Before long you will have your complete course organized with instructional supports and media resources in place. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Elise, Thank you for your remarks about how you set up and get a class started. Want to make clear that there is not rigid start to a class. The introductions should be comfortable and free flowing. The structure for the planning the class opening should be listed for the instructors use only. What the instructor does once the class starts should depend on the needs of the students and what the instructor wants to accomplish during the first meeting. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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REFOCUS...

Hi Ward, Well said. This is what makes our work so interesting as well as challenging. Wouldn't trade the opportunities we have to influence lives and help individuals achieve success for anything else. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Michael, Way to find a balance for your students. You are integrating the difference age groups into a setting that keeps them focused on the content and skills needed for career success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Christine, Way to go in projecting a professional image while imparting content. With the development of rapport you are being seen as an expert in your field as well as a educator. It is at this point that as you say the age difference is forgotten. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Alicia, Thank you for sharing this experience. As you say it is what it is. This is the real world in which these students will soon be entering. Even though it may be harsh is give them experiences that will help them with their careers. This is the part of a career that makes or breaks many people. The working with others in settings that are challenging. Gary

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