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

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Dr. Rodenbaugh, I like the quote as well. I think it expresses what we educators really want to see happen in each and everyone of our students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Theresa, Good point about instructor attitude and conduct. Also, setting the stage for the course is important just as you say. You are establishing a climate for the course with what you say the first day. The students need to be able to feel comfortable and get settled in so the rest of the course can be a building experience. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Hi Robert, I think this is a very good way to show the students that they have a stake in the course and that they are respected for what they are going to contribute to the course. These are very important points for them to know from the very beginning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Melissa, Good to learn of your background as a special education teacher. I currently train students to become special education teachers and I agree with your statement about how effective special education instructors are. Special education is student focused and as a result these instructors are willing to try anything to get the students engaged and making learning progress. This same model works with all teaching. To me good teaching is good teaching no matter who the students are nor what the subject is. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Hi Marilyn, Very good question and one asked constantly by educators at all levels. Don't have an fix all answer but some of the things I do is to give handouts that are in the form of guided notes. I have the students pick the key points out of the text and put that information on the form. We then discuss it in class. Points are given for these "homework" assignments. I find for the most part my students complete them and are ready to discuss them because I have reduced the volume of their reading down to extracting the… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Tonya, Sounds like you have refined your instructional delivery so you are able to create a connection with your students even though you do not see them face to face. Sounds like you really enjoy teaching and I know your students benefit from your efforts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Mokii, Good way to show the students that you are a professional educator ready to help them make progress with their career goals by learning the content of the current course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Cristina, Well said and so important. All of the items you listed blend together to create a supportive and exciting learning environment. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Mokii, Students really relate to personal stories about experiences their instructors have had. They really grab the attention of the students while keeping them engaged. Keep up the story telling your students appreciate it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Jaime, Good way to keep the content and focus of the course in the minds of the students. This also shows the value you attach to the syllabus. Gary

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