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

REFOCUS...

Hi Ricardo, Right on! Motivation is a two way street. The instructor has to be motivated to deliver the subject and the student needs to be motivated to receive the information. By having the opportunity to refocus both goals can be achieved. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Kathy, I congratulate you on your attention to what the needs of your students are. Getting to know them and what they bring to the classroom is essential for your instructional planning. Keep up your efforts because I know your students are benefiting from your care and concern for them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Mirwais, You make a number of very good points about being an instructor but one that stands out is your statement about striving for continued improvement in your abilities as an instructor. All of us as educators need to have an ongoing personal development plan that will help us to grow. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Kyle, You cite a good example of how the class setting can help the instructional process. This arrangement keeps all of the students in the loop in terms of discussion and sharing. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Roberto, You make a good point about how an instructor has to see the entire picture as it relates to instructional planning. This includes not the physical setting but the media and content as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Matching Content to Need

Hi Ted, Your work through the industry advisory councils to make sure that you are keeping your curriculum current and reflective of industry/business requirements is an excellent way to make sure you are right on target with your instruction. Also your use of pretesting helps you create a baseline on your students so you can help them in their areas of weakness. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Ira, Student rapport is essential in keeping the student engaged in the learning process and as a result the student remains enrolled in the training program. Knowing you care through your actions and support will be of much encouragement to students. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi David, In helping your students become part of the equation what do you see as the greatest teaching in getting them to see how they fit into the equation? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Calixto, You are on the right path of professional development. By observing successful delivery techniques and student reactions you will quickly learn what to build on and what to drop out. Don't be afraid to try new things in your courses. Also, talk with and observe other instructors when you can. You will learn much from them. Keep an open eye and open mind about how you can improve your teaching skills. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Ted, Variety is good for both instructors and students. As an instructor you know that if you don't add some things to your course and try different delivery methods you can become bored. By changing the activities you use or delivery it gets you excited and you will find that the students get charged up as well. Gary

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