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

Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Samone, This is very true. What are some strategies you have found successful that helps you to understand the needs and motivation of your students? Thanks in advance for you input on this. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Mary, Well said. Many times we instructors can get so caught up in the different aspects of teaching that we don't listen as we should. By listening we are learning plus showing our students respect and this in turn helps us to develop rapport with our students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Adrienne, This is a great way to set the stage for student success. If they are feeling comfortable in the class, know they have instructor support and can rely on their previous life experiences they will be more forward focused and motivated. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Kevin, This approach helps them so appreciate and develop coping skills for the next step--the real world. The more you can do to prepare them to handle such pressures the greater service you are providing them in terms of preparation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Kevin, This is so true. What are some ways you have found to be effective in helping your students understand course requirements and assignments? Thanks in advance for your input on this. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Frances, Good point about needing to help adult learners integrate technology and new applications into their learning methods. This helps them to bridge the gap between when they were in school and now. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Gayle, This is why a well prepared syllabus is so important. It is a win for the students, a win for the instructor and a win for the college when clear and concise information has been shared. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Blog

Creating a Professional Development Plan

All instructors should have a professional development plan. This plan will assist in the improvement and expansion of instructional planning and delivery. Personal professional development plans can range from a few simple ideas that you want to explore to a complete formal plan with specific training and time-lines listed. The formality of your plan may depend on your college and how it approaches professional development. The way to go about creating a plan for yourself is to identify what you perceive as your strength areas and how you want to expand or improve them. For example you may want to… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Gayle, Good advice for every instructor. We need to constantly expand our knowledge base in relation to our field and our skills as educators. To do so will enable us to be more effective and efficient in our instruction while better meeting the needs of our students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Mark, These are the little things that we learn from experience to do and then build upon. Just think from now on you will be focusing on something besides the syllabus because you have learned to develop a good one as a result of this experience. Onward to more successful teaching! Gary

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