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 Motivation Techniques

Hi Terena, Thank you for your comments about how it affects you when your students have success. This is the sign of a true professional. I can never hear too many of these stories since they always motivate me to want to try even harder with my instructional efforts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Shannon, Good to hear about your results with Jeopardy. These have been my results as well. The change of pace that the game offers really helps the students to stay on target without becoming bored. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Judy, Good strategy because with variety you increase the attention and engagement of your students. Also, with variety you get to use your creativity since you are looking for different ways to present the content. A win win for everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Susan, Knowing these characteristics is very important as you mention because it helps you to be able to target and customize your instruction to meet the different needs that exist in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Hi Grace, Good effort in trying to keep students engaged in a course that is required. I teach several required courses and find I have to work very hard to keep the students engaged throughout the course. I know they aren't interested in the content in the general sense but I believe I teach content that can help them in life so I want them to get some of the content I share with them. Also, I get to be creative in my teaching because I am trying to win them over to my content area during their time in… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Mary, Good points about how we need to keep "sharp" in terms of our motivation and instructional delivery. You are right it is easy to slip into a routine and just let the course unfold. By reminding ourselves that we need to strive for excellence each time we teach a class will help us to stay on top of our game. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Valuing Student Opinions

Hi Sandy, Sounds like you have some very dynamic discussions because they involve not only the students but you as well. This is a compliment to how involved you are able to get your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Renetta, I think this is a great way to get an online course off to a good start. It gives the students the big picture of the what they are going to experience in the course including the classroom even if it is only online. Good way to give them a sense of community so they will be ready to interact with their peers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Kori, Little things like a kind and supportive word now and then goes a long way in helping students be successful. You make a good point on how you can encourage and support students throughout the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Cathie, I use the same method for creating learning/work groups. By counting off I know I will get a good mix for my students since my students group themselves up in their seating and with the number count they are going to be spread out into other groups. My students don't mind this a all and the groups seem to gel very well to accomplish their work tasks. I would recommend you continue using this format for group assignment. Gary

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