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

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Hi Andrea, Well said about the need for preparation and planning. I have been in the copy room at my school and observed faculty in a panic mode running copies two minutes before class hoping the copier doesn't break down or they will have nothing to teach. Life is too short to be under that kind of pressure. I like to be in my classroom greeting and talking with students before class so I can get a feel for where they are coming from that day and not be in the copy room sweating bullets over handouts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Application of New Knowledge

Hi Norman, I commend you for your approach to teaching Math. Since Math is a challenge for so many people there are mental barriers already set up by them. By giving them the opportunity to learn about their work, correct it and expand upon it you are helping them to be successful. This will result in much higher levels of retention and application of content. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Student Motivation Factors

Hi Sadie, You make a good point about how the students have already started themselves toward motivation by enrolling in school. By showing them their future through good instruction and concrete examples the motivation will continue even when life issues distract from their learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Hi Yan, Students like to know they are being taught by a professional as well as have examples shared with them from the field. You make a good point about how they respond to such information. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Hi Robin, Thank you for this profile of a professional in your field as well as an educator. This sets the stage in such a way that the students know from day one what expectations are and how to meet them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Hi Francis, Right you are about soft skills. They are essential for career success. We need to make the development of them a key part of our instruction. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Hi Loretta, Great point and one that many instructors forget to follow and then when problems surface they can't figure out why. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Lea, Good point about the environment. What do you consider the biggest factor in establishing a supportive environment for students? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Norman, Thank you for this excellent profile of how professionalism not age is the true factor in teaching success. Also, your willingness to keep up with technology is an asset in working with the younger students as you say. Keep up the good work and I wish you many more years of teaching success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Robin, Good approach. Sounds like a fun opening class that gets everyone settled in and ready for the rest of the term. Gary

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