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.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Patricio, What are some methods that you use to make your students comfort in your class? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Joshula, Exactly. The more you know the more effective you can be in targeting your students' learning needs. You have zeroed in on the essentials of instructional planning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Dennis, In addition to your comments about knowing learner characteristics for instructional planning you gain knowledge on how to develop rapport with individual students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi William, Exactly. The more we know the more accurate we can be in our instruction and delivery. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Joshula, That is the reason I have found the 3x5 card evaluation system so helpful. I can use it anytime rather than the end of the course evaluation that is a snapshot of time. Our college requires the end of the course evaluations as well but they are not accurate in giving information that will be of benefit to me as I plan for my course the next phase. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Joshula, The development of rapport with students is another critical strategy. They see that you care about their success on an individual basis so they work harder to live up to both their and your expectations. Creating learning groups to work on special projects is another strategy that is effective. The students develop an identity with the group and they want to remain in school so the group can be successful. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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REFOCUS...

Hi Allen, Student monitoring is important just for the reasons you stated. This is what customizing instruction is about. You keep the students progressing in their learning while modifying the sequence of instruction. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Linda. I use an addendum to my syllabus like you do and I really like the results I get in using it. The addendum is very focused and gives all the details of the course. I print mine on a different color of paper so it stands out from all of the other materials and handouts they get at the beginning of the course. I then can refer to the "blue" sheet throughout the course and they know which one I am talking about and they know their success is dependent upon their completing all the things on the… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Luis, I like your approach of showing the students how your course fits into the sequence of their education. Many times students miss the fact that there is a reason for them to take certain courses at certain times. Having this understanding will help to keep them motivated as they can see the progress they are making toward achieving their career goal. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Antoinette, You have a great balance in your approach to teaching. By using student learning groups you share their knowledge throughout the class and let them demonstrate their expertise. This approach also brings in those students that may not be as talkative or as out front as other students. Gary

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