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

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Tracy, Sounds like you have developed ways to reach all of your students no matter how diverse the class may be. I commend you for your effort because online instruction can be a challenge when it comes to engaging students. You have successfully done that to the benefit of your students. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Terena, So true. We do impact lives and we need to remember that as we prepare and deliver our instruction. The future of our students depends on the effort we are putting forth today. Their success will be our legacy. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Tina, Nice gentle way to include everyone. This way even the shy students feel they are a part of the course and can contribute. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Debra, Thank you for sharing this example of how a student can really get excited about a certain part of a course. This male student has found something that really excites him and he is going to work hard to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become a surgical tech in the coming years. These stories help to motivate other instructors to keep their excitement levels up because they are in positions of influence for all their students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Hi Tyra, Right you are. Learning is an emotional experience as well as cognitive. We need to connect with the emotional intelligences of our students so they will visualize themselves in their career field. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making Instruction Relevant

Hi Vinita, I use field trips and guest speakers as well with great results. As you know having a graduate come in and talk about his/her experiences as a student and now a person in the field really captures the attention of students. They start to see themselves in the future and that increases their motivation level for what they are studying. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Jenni, First I commend you for determining what must occur in your teaching situation. If lecturing is the primary way to get the material across in the time you have then you work within that boundary. By seeking out ways to improve your expertise as a lecturer you will continue to grow and become more effective each time you teach. Keep up the great attitude and I wish you much success in your teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Beth, What a great list you have shared with us. This is a comprehensive professional development plan that will help you to be a more effective instructor while enhancing your abilities to meet the needs of your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Hi Audrey, What are some methods you use to introduce learning through different learning preferences? Thanks in advance for sharing your ideas. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Allison, What a great way to start a new class. You have the students interacting with each other, competing at games, and having fun learning. This really sets the class up for success in the coming weeks. Gary

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