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 Kim, What are some support strategies that have worked well for you? Thanks for your input on this. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Tim, Good way to start a class off. You are showing respect for the students and in return earning the respect of the students. This creates a win win for everyone and gives a solid foundation to build on throughout the class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Jennifer, Good strategies for helping the students to get focused on the course and how it is going to operate. You are providing them with the human aspect of learning with your attention to the emotional aspects of respect and support. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Kim, This is a great way to get the students settled into the course and feeling comfortable with how the course is going to flow. This sets the stage for success for both the students and yourself. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Tim, Great way to show application and generate interest in the topic. I am sure this approach really generates a lot of discussion with the students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Jennifer, Mini-lectures are selected segments of content that have a sense of accomplishment when completed. For example may you are wanting to cover definitions of terms. You cover the terms and definition in 15-20 minutes (keep in mind these are just rough estimates of time). Once completed you have a discussion, small group, game or other activity to reinforce the terms. Then you present another segment of content. You keep progressing through the class session this way. You are sharing content, making application, sharing content, making application, etc.. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Gail, You have a good professional development plan laid out for yourself. Keep up the planning and growth efforts and your students will continue to benefit from your expanded expertise. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Patricia, You are not really sending mixed messages with this approach. I have much of the same approach so I understand what you are saying. The requirements outlined in the syllabus are fixed. I make announcements based upon upcoming assignment deadlines and quizzes at the beginning of every class. I ask for any questions so we are clear. I am very formal during this time and then I move into our lecture, group work, etc.. It is at this time I can assume a more relaxed delivery. They know that they need to listen and for and when to… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Jacquelyn, What are some ways you do this? Thanks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Shelly, The key is consistency and you have made it very clear that you will enforce your class operation in a consistent manner. This sets the stage from day one and this is important for class management. Gary

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