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

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Jena, Great way of explaining how you approach the classroom. Your students I am sure feel supported, comfortable and engaged in your classes. You are a part of their future and by helping them see the vision they will stay in enrolled and reach their career goal. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Michael, I really like your approach of sharing both the good and the not so good times. That is real life plus as you say it can be humorous as well. This helps to keep the interest of the students and they can see how the future might unfold for them in their career area. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Fredrik, Good way to start a class. I like the idea of the pretest. It gives you a baseline from which you can plan instruction. It also helps with grouping of students as they work on projects. I am sure through the introductions you get a picture of the students that you have and how to individualize your instruction to them and their needs. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi James, Sounds like you a master plan for how you are going to approach each student. By establishing respect with and for your students you will have rapport with them and that is critical to their success. I know this factors strongly into their motivation as you help them achieve success in your class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Rich, The variety of students in our classes are a challenge to us as we plan our instruction. The exciting part of this is that we get to work with individuals with so many different experiences and backgrounds. What are some strategies that you use to work with your students with such variety in their backgrounds and ages? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Terry, The ability to work with others is essential as you well know but sometimes is forgotten by students. Your use of the groups and student interaction is going to be of great help to them as they enter the field. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi James, Good list. You item 5 puts it all together in terms of constantly being on top of things. Reading the pulse of the class and then looking for different ways of presenting content will help to keep the class focused and interesting. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Philipp, Good point about where our eye should be for teaching success. We have to remember why we are there and what the outcome needs to be for our students. Plus, as you say it helps us to keep the content interesting so we ourselves don't become bored. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Michael, The reason we become teachers is because we like to share with others. We like people as well. You are right about needing to keep our focus on why we became teachers in the first place, the students. I really like your example. It make perfect sense when we take our eye off of the real target. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi David, Way to get a real good read on your students and their progress. This way you can make changes as needed. You are customizing your instruction for each of your students. Good job. Gary

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