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

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Patrick, What a great way to find what normally might have been untapped resources. You found them and was able to gather information from these experts to use in your own teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Curt, Some students are more hesitant to answer questions or contribute to class so they are hard to read in relation to understanding concepts or content. What I do is to give them case studies to respond to and hand in to me. Their answers or solutions to the problem give me an clear understanding of what they do and don't understand about the course. This would be in addition to mini-quizzes I give to check for understanding throughout the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Heather, I would suggest you spend some time looking at websites that offer instructional strategies for middle/high school teachers. You will find there are a host of them that will be valuable to you. Take the suggestions and strategies they list and adapt them to postsecondary instruction. If you can't find anything that will work for you let me know and I will get you some additional resources that will be of help. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Jayne, This strategy supports the saying I heard that said "To teach is to learn twice." and I believe it. When students have to prepare and then present they really get to know the material which they will retain long after they have completed the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Kara, I agree as well. If students can see application and relevancy they will be engaged at a much higher level. So the more examples we can share with them the more success they will have if they put forth the effort. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Being Successful in College

Hi Juliet, So true. Stores of success help contribute to success. Students need to be encouraged to see how they can be successful and examples and real life stories help them toward their career goals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Peggy, If you use examples and experiences from your students' pasts you will find a higher level of content retention. This learning method helps them to connect with their own lives and the content. I know you will enjoy using this instructional strategy as it will make teaching even more enjoyable. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Dianne, Good strategy. I teach a 6 hour block and encounter the same reaction from my students. I use the model you outlined and my students really like it. The case studies help them to see relevance and application to what they are studying so they are ready for the next class segment when they complete a case study. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi James, This is a very effective way to promote your professional development. Sharing gives you insight into how you can grow in your skills and expertise. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Rashidah, You make a good point about the "bouncing off the walls" in wondering if this is a good or bad thing. Keep up your enthusiasm and enjoy your teaching while offering your students content that is interesting and relevant. As a result of these efforts you will do fine and a teacher. Gary

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