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 Terri, Great use of the categories of the learning styles. The human brain, all three pounds of it, is constantly seeking variety so your use of the different delivery modes helps this process out. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Les, You are right on target with the non-traditional learners. They must see how what relevancy to what is being taught. They also like immediate use of newly acquired knowledge. Learn and then apply helps them to understand why they are in school and working as hard as they are. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Jim, Good use of your graduates. Students always like to hear about the successes of those that have gone on before them. It makes their training seem more real and relevant. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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REFOCUS...

Hi Jim, Thank you for your comments about how to refresh yourself and your approach. As you well know if you are excited it will rub off on your students. By using REFOCUS you can help create for yourself the excitement that lends itself to good teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Anthony, You are correct about constant and immediate feedback and reinforcement for students. It is like the old saying asking "how do you eat an elephant?' "one bite at a time" . If an instructor heaps praise upon a student the first day and then never comments again on anything done by the student the rest of the phase then the student will drift away from the focus of the course. Be sincere and on time with praise, support and compliments and students will enjoy their success via the support of the instructor. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi John, This group type of project engages more students and allows them to have input in the learning process. I use group projects and case studies extensively in my classes with good success. These methods help the sudents to become a part of the learning community as well as developing them individually. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi John, You make a good point about the need for continued professional development. We can only do what we know and as you mentioned if we as instructors are using poor or ineffective methods we will not be successful. By looking for successful role models to follow and attending inservice sessions we can continue to grow in our abilities and competence. Many colleges have opportunties for their instructors to get together and share teaching strategies. I think this is a great way for instructors to learn ways of encouraging and retaining their students. There is no reason for each… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making the Course Relevant

Hi Clifton, Thank you for your input in the forums. You make a number of helpful suggestions and recommendations. I am sure you are going to meet with much success in the classroom and out on the floor with your students. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making the Course Relevant

Hi Tina, In your forums you have offered a number of very good suggestions and comments. I am sure your courses are enjoyable to take and your students develop rapport with you. Keep up the good work! You are making a difference. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making the Course Relevant

Hi Paul, Glad that the course helped you with your curriculum planning. Adults are interesting creatures and really need careful handling in order for them to succeed. They have been out of school for so many years that they have forgotten how to take notes, study for tests, and other such techniques that will help them to succeed. Small bits of information help them to move along the educational trail. Gary

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