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 Helen, I don't have a quick answer to your question since so much depends on the individuals that don't want to work in a group. When I have faced such a situation I talk individually with each student and try to determine the problem. Generally I have been able to gather enough information so I can make a recommendation on how they can work in their group. In extreme cases I have pulled the student out completely because they were not going to be successful in the class nor work with anyone in the class. I felt it was… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi William, Your students are fortunate to have such a person as their instructor. Talk about "real life" you are living it so when you come to the classroom with an example your students know it has been something you have lived through rather than just a text book example. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Shelly, This is a very good idea. The use of the websites increases the accessibility of this information to students at anytime. I use this method and I find my students referring to the site all the time. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Jo, I am very big on reflecting business/industry standards in the classroom. We are training our students to be successful in such settings so we need to get them used to meeting these standards. One of the big ones is the meeting of deadlines. I really have to push this one hard. Our culture is one of apathy in many situations, meaning time lines are meant to be ignored except when it is something for them. Keep up the good work in this area. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Meggan, You are right about the classroom needing to be set up correctly. If students can't see or are uncomfortable the learning curve is going to be very flat. Once the classroom environment is corrected then the students can refocus on the course content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi William, Great way to set your students at ease. The email is an important touch as well. The students know you are concerned about their success and want to keep them informed. The more communication the more students will feel involved in the class process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Jo, The use of a calendar is very important. With a good syllabus and a clear calendar you will have done much to reduce the fears and concerns of students. They know what is coming and when, even when you have to make adjustments it is still an important guide. Well done. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Greg, When students have a clear understanding of the expectations and requirements of the course much time is saved in getting the class started. This is why the syllabus is so critical. The idea of explaining that the syllabus is a form of a contract between the students and yourself is good as well. It helps to up the stakes in terms of why the students are in the class and what you want to make happen during the coming course phase. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Garry, Thank you for sharing your experiences about a new emerging group of students coming into our classes. Your suggestions about how to bring interaction between the two groups are appreciated. The key is respect for each other and getting to know where each other is coming from. Sounds like you are doing a great job of making this happen. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Timothy, I teach in the same time frame as you. My classes run from 4 until 10 and I have the same general profile of students as do you. Your forum comments are dead on in terms of what both of our student groups are working through. The key as you mentioned is to keep them excited and motivated in spite of them being tired and stressed. Gary

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