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

Setting Expectations

Hi Paul, As has been mentioned in the course, instructors are models whether they want to be or not. By being a positive role model you are giving your students the gift of opportunity. This gift allows them to see what they can become by successfully completing the course you are teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructional Style

Hi Paul, You have it right about being an instructor. The door is where you leave your baggage and in the classroom your students are your focus. With that kind of attitude you will do well in the classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Gordon, Good idea. This way you can make changes that are needed to keep the class going in the right direction. Another thing you might find helpful is to give students 3 by 5 cards and have them write comments on them at various times throughout the course. I use them after assignments and projects for example. I learn from the students how effective these activities have been. Since they don't put their names on them the can freely express themselves. I have been doing this for many years and have never received anything but helpful responses. I have… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making the Course Relevant

Hi Taxpulat, Thank you for the input in you forum responses. You touched upon a number of very important components that are needed to be an effective career college instructor. Though your comments you have illustrated that you care about your students and that you what them to succeed through your efforts. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

REFOCUS...

Hi Jim, You are showing your students the opportunities that they have ahead through your efforts in refocusing them. Sometimes they forget why they are there as a result of the stresses of the rest of their lives. By having them see how that by attending that class that day they are making progress you are giving them the gift of a future. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Setting Expectations

Hi Jennifer, Great comments! Expectation management is a model that keeps the students forward focused. I try to use forward focused questions when I am in a class discussion format. Any time you are looking to and for outcomes you are moving forward with your students. Also, your comment about expectations for both the students and yourself is good. This way there are no surprises. Surprises are great for birthday parties but not for students. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning Environment

Hi Jennifer, Great ideas. I would appreciate receiving your Brain Gym exercises. I am always looking for additional "tools" I can put into my instructional "toolbox". That is for me the fun of teaching. Learning about new ways I can engage and motivate my students as their develop their skills. Thanks much for your sharing. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructional Style

Hi Jennifer, Thank you for the kind words about reteach. I always appreciate receiving feedback on what applications instructors can make in their classrooms. Yes, real life situations always appeal to the students because soon they will be in that real world they have heard so much about. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hello Mahmoud, By having feedback from your students you can keep informed on how you are doing as an instructor in the class. Also, the feedback will help you with selecting projects and activities. I like to have the students fill out 3x5 cards giving me feedback. They do not put their names on the cards so this way there is no pressure from me in terms of their grades. I find the students are very helpful and candid with their remarks. I use their comments to "adjust" what I am doing in the course. I can target the needs… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making the Course Relevant

Hi Tina, Great ideas about how you cover technical terms for your students. You are attaching meaning to the terms as well as providing methods that assist your students in acquiring the terms needed for the course. How do you use the movies in relation to learning the terms? Sounds very interesting. Gary

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