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 Kari, Learning requires observations of both the environment and the course content. You are right about making sure that the students walk into a supportive and attractive setting. With your professional approach and sharing the policies of the course your students know what to expect. You can focus on developing rapport with your students and enjoy having the opportunity to be their instructor. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Kari, You are doing many good things as they relate to instruction. Your forum response lists a variety of delivery options you are using and I know your students appreciate it. The fun part about teaching is that even though you are teaching the same course over and over the students that come in each phase make the course different. This is why teaching is so much fun. Variety is a key component of what we do. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Marina, You make a very good point about needing to keep things fresh if we as instructors are going to keep bringing our A game to the classroom. I try to do at least one thing differently each time I teach a course to see how it works. This does two things for me, one I get excited about seeing if it will work and two it challenges me to come up with the new method, idea or delivery. This way I can continue to improve in my teaching while adding additional teaching tools to my professional development. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Marina, Right you are. Instructors need to strive to customize learning for each student in a collective way, meaning meet the needs of both the individual student as well as the overall learning needs of all students. Tough job but one that is very rewarding when students are successful and the "ah ha" moments occur. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Christopher, Good model of using student learning groups. I to use learning groups in my classes and find them very valuable for getting content across to the students. The students that aren't as willing to speak up in class will take part in the small group discussions. Also the students translate a lot of the information into understanding for themselves through talking it over in their groups. Your last point is a good one as well. By being focused on progress and the future failure becomes an option they don't consider. Thanks for sharing. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Regina, The observe, do and teach model is a good one for skill development. Each time a student goes through the procedure with another student they learn just that much more plus the procedure steps start to become more a part of them. Good model to follow. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Regina, A key component of being a successful instructor is the ability to be flexible. Sounds like that is something that you have to do a lot at your school. I know in my case I always have to have a Plan B because no matter how hard I try it seems that Plan A never works. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Christopher, What a great forum response on several fronts. First your last sentence is a great. If you love your field and are excited about sharing the knowledge and skills you have your students will be excited as well. It does rub off as you well know. Your comments about mixing the different age and experience ranges of your students is good to hear. Many instructors are puzzled with how to teach different generational learners. You have found the key is to mix and match them in groups so they and you can benefit from each other. This is… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Cynthia, Real life stories show application of knowledge and skills. The students need to hear these stories so they will remain motivated and willing to study harder so their future will become real. As their instructor you are giving them a role model to aspire to in their own careers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Scott, You are right about students liking to hear stories about how the knowledge and skills will help them to be successful. You knowledge and skills have helped you to be successful so hearing about your experiences gives them hope and excitement about their own future. Good job. Gary

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