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

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Dennis, Another advantage to involving your diverse students with each other in the class setting is that the students learn to work with and appreciate the contributions that each can make. Plus they learn about how different career goals are set individually based upon life experiences. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Gabriel, What a great professional development plan. You are not only putting yourself in your students' shoes you are challenging yourself as well. Keep up the good work because I know your students are benefiting from your efforts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Helen, It is easy to fall into a routine that doesn't impart excitement to the students about what is being taught. This can cause a number of different problems for instructors especially in the area of student management so we need to keep fresh and creative in our instruction. This way we can keep the students engaged throughout the course phase. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Don, I commend you for your attitude about instructional improvement. We instructors need to be on the look out for ways we can get better at what we do. By using your evaluations and comments from fellow instructors you are developing constantly as an educator. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Gary, Well said. You have addressed the critical elements of a supportive learning environment. If students feel comfortable and supported they are going to concentrate more on the subject matter. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Marie, I teach from 4 until 7 pm and then from 7 until 10 pm. This teaching time frame deals with the exact issues you bring up in your forum comments. We instructors have to have activities that get the students engaged and the blood flowing so their brains can be engaged. I go approximately 15 minutes have an activity or group work, and then repeat the process. This way I keep giving the students learning breaks and I can focus their attention on the content better. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Jay, You are correct in your observations and comments. By using the students' own experiences you are engaging them in learning process and helping them to become invested in the class. This is a key retention component. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Rhonda, Excellent description of how to set the stage for maximum student learning. Each component contributes in a unique way to the total learning picture, thus they all have to be well planned and organized. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Meredith, Great way to get the students involved in the class from the very beginning by having them declare what they want to get out of your course. Also, the connection between between their training and the real world is critical. You are showing them their future by building the connection between their studies and what you have experienced in the real world. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Gabriel, You make a number of very good points about how to set the stage for positive learning experiences for students. These things all do contribute to student retention. Also, the point about making referrals for students needs to be highlighted. If students know there is help available to and for them as they encounter situations during their college experience they will be much more at ease with their education. Gary

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