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 Alfred, Congratulations on your dedication to your students and your career area. Your planning I know pays off not only for your students but yourself as well. It does take a lot of work to stay ahead of the students and classes but the end results are well worth. It is what keeps you coming back to the classroom year after year. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Amanda, Good idea about the formative evaluations that you are going to do. Often we only evaluate at the end of the course phase and by then it is too late for a course correction if it is needed. This way you know where your students are at and can respond to their needs. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Randolph, All the listed components in the forum are needed to be able to target the learning needs of your students. Keep the combination going and you are going to be an effective instructor. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Tony, Right on. That is what will keep us coming back for another course, another phase and another year. REFOCUS and the willingness to improve and expand our abilities as professional educators. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Eric, The blend between theory and real world is a must. The students have to learn the concepts and principles of the field in addition to developing the skills necessary for career success. If they know what you are teaching them is based upon relevant required knowledge then they will become much more invested in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Donald, By having a clear understanding of the course and instructor expectations you will be helping your students to get settled into the course. The first few days, even for short duration courses, are always a bit rocky as everyone gets settled in. Anything you can do along this line will be of benefit. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Robert, Tactile learning is one of the most important part of knowledge acquisition. Retention is higher and application is greater. So whenever you can incorporate both content and skill development you have a winner. Our students are training for a career and the more they can learn and develop within that career area before they enter the field will only help them to be that much better. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Alfred, You students are really fortunate to have you as their instructor. By using the instructional supports you mentioned and spending time with them you are encouraging them to continue their learning success. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Ryan, This is very important to do to get the course off on the right step and set the minds of the students at ease. They know this way what is expected of them and how the course will proceed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Martin, The key is to keep your students fully informed from the very first day of class. By having a well developed syllabus and clear policies you will get the students off to a good start. You can not give too many reminders, it seems that students no matter what age they are seem to forget what they have been told. Gary

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