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 Douglas, Well said. We have to try many different approaches in order to find the right combination of factors for that day for that class to help with the motivation factor. It is a challenge but one that is well worth it when the students get focused on the course content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Mark, You are correct in your statement about what a student deserves. He or she deserves our very best and we can't let boredom sneak into our delivery. We have to REFOCUS and refresh ourselves to make sure we are bringing our best effort to the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Chris, What a great balance you have for the different ways your students can contribute to the class. I really like the speech requirement as I see many students that are unable to express themselves clearly. This is good preparation for refining their communication skills in their careers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Chris, You are on the right path using a variety of methods of delivering course content. This variety will help keep the students interested and engaged in the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Nick, Great forum response. I am the type of learner you described in your response. While I'm not very good at taking standardized tests I can design, build and remodel most any type of dwelling. The point is that I learn through tactile means when I can see the relevancy of what I am learning. At times this has been a challenge since most of my career has involved working in areas where cognitive assessments were the norm. The courses I currently teach focus on the immediate application of newly acquired knowledge so students can see the value of… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Don, You make a number of very good points about the diversity of learners within a classroom. The ability to plan for these differences and then support the learners as they move through the course is essential. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Joseph, Your approach to being an educator has to be of great comfortable and support to your students. By knowing their names from the beginning you are showing them you care and then by being available you are reinforcing it. This is what will keep your students coming back to your class throughout the phase. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Marc, You are right about adult learners. They are there for the expressed purpose of receiving an education that will enable them to achieve their career goals. As educators we need to zero in on the methods that will enable these students to see relevancy and application to what is being taught. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Edward, You make two very good points about increasing your teaching effectiveness. The second point is critical in keeping students engaged in learning. The tie between their personal experiences and what they are learning is key. This helps them to identify with what is going on in class each time it meets. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Bennett, Good suggestions all for other participants in this course to use. The point I would like to really commend you for is your use of your students as resources. Sometimes instructors miss the value that students bring to the class. They have many life experiences and skills that we should use when we can. Gary

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