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

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Elbert, Thank you for sharing your perspective about preparing for classes. Learning centered should be the focus for maximum return and you are planning that way. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Sarah, Providing instructional supports for students with learning disabilities is a way of helping such students to achieve success. There are many things instructors can do help students achieve success such as using structured outlines, graphic organizers, and group reviews. These supports will help all students so especially those with reading/writing/comprehension issues related to learning disabilities. What you are doing is leveling the learning field for success rather than giving any unfair advantage to any student. These students also bring to the class setting many coping strategies that they have developed during their previous schooling and these can be… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructional Style

Hi Thomas, Well said! You make a number of very good points that I know will be of help to other instructors. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructional Style

Hi Juan, Good question about level of delivery development. You are moving from being a subject matter expert (SME) to an instructional development expert (IDE). You are right developing your skills in stages. Focus on developing your style. Seek feedback from faculty members you respect as see as being excellent instructors. Something I do is give my students 3x5 cards and have them write comments about how they see a demonstration or activity going. I have found their comments very helpful and have never had hateful or hurtful comments made. The refinement process never stops. There are always ways you… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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REFOCUS...

Hi Beth, Thank you for the kind words about the course and the REFOCUS program to keep us all fresh as we teach our courses over and over. I know your students are going to benefit from your efforts. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making the Course Relevant

Hi Richard, The brain likes variety and you are appealing to the learning part of the brain by using the different approaches to the content. Plus as you mentioned you are hitting upon the different learning preferences of your students. This way everyone wins. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Humberto, Excellent point! That is what being a good instructor is really all about. Being a model and motivator for those that go the extra mile to be in class and are prepared. They want to learn because they know the new information they acquire will help them to have a better life. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making the Course Relevant

Hi Jerry, I am sure that you see your students "perk" up when you give examples of what you did when you were in the field. This helps to bridge the gap between theory and application. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructional Style

Hi Jerry, Congratulations on surviving to this point. The hardest adjustment is behind you. Just keep all of your options open as you develop your skills as an instructor and you will do fine. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Nirmala, This is a good example of providing instructional support. Instructors need to look for ways they can support the learning process of their students so the students can stay focused on the content of the course rather than become frustrated by trying to decide what to study. Thanks. Gary

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