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

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Sherri, Thank you for the kind words about the strategies for helping students retain the content. The more we can connect the dots for students the easier it is for them to store the content in their minds and then recall it when needed. Have fun with your examples and activities. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Judith, I really like your slow gentle approach to integrating students into a "scary" effort like speaking in front of people. This way you build confidence in their minds while they are getting settled into the course. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Jennifer, I agree with you about the need and value of student feedback. I will give my students 3X5 cards and have them write comments about a project or assignment that they just completed. They give me candid input so I can change, improve or leave as is the assignment or project. They like to do this because they know they are helping other students that will be taking the course in the future. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor REFOCUS

Raphael, Good to hear. REFOCUS helps us to keep our enthusiasm high so we remain excited about teaching and our students. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Developing Student Rapport

Craig, This is a good point for instructors of general or foundational courses to remember. The students need to have a connection with the instructor and the content if they are going to invest the effort needed for success. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Michelle, I agree with you about the human factor in student success. It is hard when we lose a student even after we have worked so hard to keep him/her engaged. So that I don't become to overwhelmed at the loss of a student I focus my energy of the remaining students and enjoy their success along with with. I have to keep in mind that for some students the easiest thing to do is fail and quit. Success brings responsibility and choices and some students don't want either even if they have the ability. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Students as Class Members

Troy, I think this is a critical element in the teaching effort. They are going to have to work with others out in the work world so they need to learn how to do it as students. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Dennis, Great to hear if the success you have been able to help them achieve. This is one of the great joys of being an educator. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding Learner Characteristics

Salina, Good point and one that needs to be remembered by all instructors as they approach the classroom. By customizing our instruction to meet the different learning preferences in our classes we will be more effective in getting our content across. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Judith, This is one of the fun parts of teaching. We get to customize our instruction which means we can be creative and innovative in both content and delivery development. It is for sure we won't be bored if we are always on the look out on how we can be more effective in our instruction. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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