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

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Lois, You are fortunate to teach in such a setting. This lets the students see the big picture in terms of other courses that are being taught, in this case during the day. Even though the day classes don;t directly affect them it is good for them to see how the school operates. In addition, it sounds like you have a good communication system with your students through the syllabus. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Thomas, These are all great supports that can help students stay in school as you mentioned. For many students these supports are so critical that they can't survive without them. It is good your school has such a great system in place. It could serve as a model for other schools. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Williams, I like this approach. Success does not come easily. It takes work which is why many people don't achieve success because they don't readjust their efforts or attitudes. Thanks for the good advice for all of us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Chimene, Good way to encourage more interaction from your students. By using a variety of instructional deliveries you are offering them content in their learning preference areas which will keep them engaged and focused on the content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Katianne, Great approach to teaching. By combining all of the elements you have listed you are giving your students your best professional effort while providing them success steps if they are willing to put forth the effort to achieve them. Keep up the good work you are doing. You are impacting lives in so many different ways. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Allen, Good advice for all instructors. We have to be able to change directions when needed, be creative in our approaches, and let the students know we are humans just like them. The above combination will earn us their respect as models in our field. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Marlena, It seems all students like to hear about mistakes their instructors have made when they were in the field. Generally these stories can shared in a humorous way so they are entertaining as well as informative. So share the mistakes and show your students how we are all human and that we can grow as a result of overcoming those mistakes and expanding our knowledge and expertise. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Wendy, I agree with you about the need for clear goals and objectives. They have to be a part of the planning and sharing process. Without them there is no direction nor engagement because no body including the instructor knows what is going on. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Dale, You make a good point and that is why it is so important to do what you do before the class meets. By knowing that everything is working you can relax a bit and focus on getting the class off to a good start. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Patricia, Good to hear. You are going to have great success with your mini-lectures I know. Keep up the good work you are doing. Gary

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