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

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Larry, Good point about the need for a support system. Students need to know how to identify and create such systems if they are going to be successful in working and completing their schooling. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Brian, I like games as well. Students like to do these types of activities as they break up the flow of the class while letting them use some of the content they have learned while answering the questions in the games. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Hi Charles, Good balance to your instructional approach. You are appealing to different learning preferences with this approach. You have a high level of student engagement and this is what helps with learning efficiency. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Andrea, I think you have chosen a good way to start a new class since your students are cohorts and already know each other. You can use an ice breaker like you mentioned but ask for information that is general but in the areas that they probably haven't talked about in previous classes. This can be a real fun exercise helping them learn about others that they already know. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Robin, So true. The syllabus sets the stage for the class. Instructors need to spend time on putting a well developed one together. Thanks for sharing your perspective on the importance of the syllabus. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Larry, Right! If you aren't then the students are going to pick up on it and it is going to be a difficult class to teach. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Kellie, I agree with this approach. This way they can make a greater connection between content and application. In doing so they will see more relevancy to what they are learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Almitra, Well said. That is why we do it. The students need to know they have a dedicated professional supporting their efforts and helping them to achieve their career goals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Michelle, There needs to be some fire and excitement about the field as you say. If it is not there then both the students and the instructor are going to just muddle through the class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Hi Larry, Right you are. Trust also leads to respect and rapport which are two important ingredients for student and teaching success. Gary

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