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

Your Instructional Style

Hi Douglas, Good approach to being an effective instructor. You are bringing your personality to the classroom and that is so important plus you know how you want to relate to your students. You have set the stage for yourself to have a very enjoyable and successful class. Happy teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Nikki, Good to hear! I am sure you are enjoying teaching a lot more as well. Thanks for sharing this with us because other instructors will benefit from knowing they once they get their course organized and planned out they can have a really good time teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi James, Great point. Successful learning depends on the instructor to set the stage for students to be receptive to the content and to make application of it. I have had such instructors myself and I valued having the opportunity to study with them even though the course itself wasn't one that I would have chosen to take. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Jennifer, You are doing some very good things to keep the students engaged. If you can bring specific examples, problems, case studies from their different fields this generally helps them to see the value of your course. I teach two such courses so I know the challenges you are talking about. I have found that when they see application and relevancy to their own field they really perk up. I do it in a small group format of generally 3-5 students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi David, Right you are. How do you go about identifying the learning styles of your students? Thanks for sharing your strategies with us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Jennifer, Yes they do. The more clearly you can lay them out the more comfortable they will be in the class. I also give the students reminders, on the board, verbally and with a handout throughout the course so they don't have an excuse that they didn't know about a test or assignment. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Kenneth, Sorry to hear about your experience with this class but I do appreciate you sharing it with us. This is a very good lesson for all instructors, especially new instructors to learn and learn well. It is TOUGH to dig out of a hole like this just as you have mentioned. I wish you much success in your future classes because I know you are going to be ahead of the games next time. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Stephanie, So true and something we instructors can never forget as we prepare to start a new class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi James, Good strategies and you are right about needing to watch that students that knows he/she knows more than you and can't believe you are teaching the course instead of them. They make me smile and I work hard to show them that everyone can learn something if they try. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Joesph, This really helps students to see relevancy and application with this method. They learn about it and then use it. This really helps them get the information and skills stored in their working memories. Gary

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