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 Ken, Thanks for sharing your student grouping and arrangements with us through the forum. I am sure this information will be of much benefit to others. I commend you for your organization of multi-level students. This is always challenging for instructors. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Joseph, The ability to problem solve real life situations is the real key to career college preparation. The students get to see how relevant the education they are receiving really can be to their lives. The opportunity to use newly acquired knowledge is exciting for the students. How do you set up the real life situations in your course? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Barbara, You are right about providing instructional supports for your students. The use of guided notes is a real benefit to students. They are guided to follow the lecture while filling in the blanks. Also, this methods lets them know what you see as being important for them to learn and study. At the end of each lecture they have the key points recorded and ready for study when test time comes. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Ken, Your teaching setting is one that does require some creative ideas about how to reach all students. What has been some successful techniques you have used to meet the individual diverse needs of your students? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Pamela, What a great profile of an instructor that is balanced in her approach and student concern. I am sure that your students really enjoy your courses and the rapport that you develop with them. The humor factor is a must. What are some techniques that you use to find balance in your humor use in the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Tracey, I agree. It is like having a dog that runs away and when caught it is beat with a newspaper. It only takes a couple of times for the dog to realize that if they catch me I am going to be beaten. Thus, the next time the dog is let loose it runs off and is even harder to catch. Teachers that use the fear model generally are using the method because they themselves are insecure about their ability to teach. Rapport with students is a must. This is the way to get the engaged in the… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Ken, Good way to keep you and your course current. I really like the way you are reflecting the current requirements of the industry by using your advisory committee as much as you do. All career colleges are requirement to have advisory committees but often they don't use them as effectively as they should. Sounds like you are really using them in the advisory role for which they are intended. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Ken, Great way to start a class off. No misunderstandings about expectations and requirements. Many schools use the signed sheet as evidence of the students having received the syllabus. I like this idea as it helps the students to get off to a good start in the course by knowing what is going to happen over the course phase. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Ken, It is good that you realized what instructional style you want to use in your class after having experienced good instruction in your own education. Keep up your professional growth and not only will you enjoy your teaching career your will benefit as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Martha, Excellent suggestions all. Having been active in state and national associations I have found many rewards both professionally and personally from the years I have spent working with these groups. My work has put me in contact with some of the best educators in America. In additional your exposure to "Best Practices" in teaching through journals and in-service activities all will help you to expand and refine your instructional delivery. Keep up the good work. You have a great professional development plan working for you. Gary

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