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

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi George, Good to hear about the great discussion you had with your students. As you mentioned it took a little probing to get them started but once you found the "hot button" they took off. The key is to keep coming up with topics that interest them and will get them to talking. You can have them make a list of topics they want to discuss in class. Always keep the class moving forward with the content that you have listed as being critical for them to acquire but you can integrate the topics the students bring up at… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Paul, All good examples of how you can support and encourage student success. They are looking to you as the authority so when you tell them they are doing well in the course they really increase their motivation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Renita, Well said. With your method you are able to adapt and modify as needed throughout the course. This is critical because classes can change quickly as you well know and you have to be flexible enough to be able to meet the newly emerging needs. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Renita, Thank you for this great example of why the syllabus needs to be clear and concise. This way the students don't have drop back positions they can use as excuses because you have already addressed the excuses in the syllabus. The use of computers in the library being one. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Hi James, By keeping your ears open and listening to what the students are saying in different settings you are getting feedback to do just what you mentioned, modify the instruction on an as needed basics. You are customizing your instruction to meet the needs of that specific group of students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Michelle, Good testimony to professional growth. You are expanding your ability to reach your students as a result of the educational strategies you have learned and are applying. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi David, Good way to help the students with their critical thinking skills. They are being asked to look at both sides of a situation and propose a solution. This is what they will be doing in their careers so the more experience they can get doing it the better they are going to be once they are out working. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Mohammed, How to you see the elements of the learning environment contributing to the learning process? Thanks for your input on this. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Timothy, I teach in a similar setting with large classes so I know what you are saying. I think it is tough but I have no choice but to make each class informative and engaging for my students. Your approach is a good one because you are making the entire classroom yours, even the back rows. This helps to keep all students included in the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Judy, What a great way to go the extra step and show your students that you really care about their success. They can and will be successful if they will put for the effort because you are there to help them make the needed progress. This is a great comfort for students. Gary

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