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

Using Graphic Organizers

Ramon, Thanks for sharing these strategies with us. I know they will be valuable to other instructors as they work to devise methods that will help students to become organized and retain the critical course content. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Jeffrey, Good advice for instructors. We all like to know where we are at when we are doing something. In sports it is keeping score. So students want to know their status in the course and the more feedback we can give them the more engaged they are going to be. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Stephanie, Thanks for sharing this strategy. It is a good one to get students excited about the course when they start to get bogged down about three fourths the way through the course. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

James, Good point and one we need to remember as we plan our instruction. Helping our students to see their future is very important in relation to their engagement and success. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

R, I teach a similar course. They have to pass it before their can get their state certification so I understand where you are coming from. I don't have a single suggestion to offer but I can offer that you continue what you are doing and try to generate interest in the content through personal applications. I use role playing and case studies to illustrate the value of the course content. I also play games using the content. The students for the most part really get involved in these activities. There are some I don't reach and for them it… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Stephanie, I like your method of getting input from students. I use the same method myself with great results. The students give me good information and I have never had anyone say anything inappropriate even though they don't sign their names. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Eric, This is so true. By having a clear plan that is shared with the students it makes it much easier for them and you to follow as the course progresses. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Issy, Talk to other instructors to get an idea of what they are doing effectively. Observe other classes to see how instructors manage the learning environment. Complete as many of these educational courses as you can so you will have a solid foundation and understanding of best practiced instructional strategies. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Michael, Thank you for sharing this example and your comments about being a professional and demonstrating it through dress. It is critical that we model such since we may be the first and sometimes only person in that career area they have met. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Elidon, Good definition. By following what you have listed an instructor would come to the class ready to teach and show students that they have made the right choice concerning their enrollment. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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