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

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Hi James, So true. There needs to be a clear connection between course content and real world application. The more connections that can be created the greater the retention of material is going to be, as well as higher student engagement. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Hi Gary, Good strategy. This creates a foundation upon which the course can operate and then go from there. This is so important for the development of respect and rapport with students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Deanne, This is a very important aspect of being instructor. Effort needs to be made to help each student get settled into the course and feeling that support is there for them as needed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Hi Joele, Way to win them over. Through your efforts your students now see that your gen ed course has value to their career choice. Basic academic skills are essential no matter the career choice and students need to see that. But, often it takes a daily pep talk to get the message across. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Gary, I agree with your assessment of how effective sharing career experiences are in motivation students. They get to hear how you have been successful in your career and that you are there to teach them how they can be successful as well if they will put forth the effort. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Craig, Good strategy. You are right about accountability and rigor. Students like to know they have a dedicated instructor that wants them to be successful if they are willing to put forth the effort. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Rebecca, This is a great way to send a message to students that you are organized and that you are clear on your expectations for the course. The syllabus is the road map for the course so it needs to be easy to follow. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi James, Well said. This is what being a well prepared and dedicated instructor should be about. This is student centered instruction. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi John, You make a number of very good points about student motivation. I do know that after many years of teaching and researching cognitive development I am amazed at how little I know. Humans are very complex creatures so we need to do the best we can at understanding what is driving each individual student and then try to customize our approach to target that student. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Andrew, You make a very good point concerning how we need to stay current in our field and be excited about the content we teach. If we don't bring enthusiasm to the classroom it is for sure the students won't. Gary

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