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

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Hi Margaret, Good description and good information for other instructors to take away. This is what being a professional educator is all about. Thanks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi William, You have great ideas for bringing variety and balance to your classroom. The offering of different tempo music is a great way to set the stage for the activities that you are doing with your students. Keep up the good work because you have a wonderful teaching plan going for you. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Denise, What a rich and varied background you have to bring to the classroom. I am sure that your students really become engaged when you start sharing some of your experiences with them. Between varied instructional delivery and life experiences you will be able to keep the students engaged and focused on learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Robin, You have an excellent background to use when it comes to your career college students. In many ways you will be using elementary instructional techniques with adult examples to reach your students. I taught elementary students and find that the same methods work with adults even giving out candy. I wouldn't dare tell the adults that though. I just smile and enjoy knowing that for the most part humans are the same in so many ways. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Janice, This is a good point. By answering the more basic questions with the syllabus instructors have more time to focus on specific student questions that come up which helps to personalize the course more for them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Janice, I think this is a terrific way of showing students your personal approach to the course while still using the standardized syllabus. You are making it your own this way as well as showing the students the importance you attach to the syllabus. Thanks for sharing this with us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Janice, Good point about how the syllabus can be an effective tool for helping students to understand the course expectations, requirements and policies. By knowing them the students know how they can be successful in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Debra, Good point about how the syllabus sets the tone for the class and gives the students a foundation of understanding of how the course is going to unfold. This is so important to get the students settled into the course and reduce their anxiety about course success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Robert, Thank you for sharing your comprehensive plan of learning for your students. You are hitting on the key elements as them move from theory to application. Throughout these steps they are being reinforced so they can get the content into their working memories while developing skills sets that will help with retention. You are in a great field for this to happen because you are bringing in so many different elements for their learning focus. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Anastasia, I would first start with a relaxed ice breaker of some type to get the students talking with each other and you. Participate in the ice breaker so you can interact with the students in an informal way. Share with your students your professional experience and if possible interject some humorous stories from your experience. This shows the students that you have a sense of humor and that you are approachable. Be in the class early and welcome the students, try to chat a few seconds with each student. Ask them questions about their weekend, favorite activity, anything… >>>

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