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 Frank, This is a great thing to do because it helps the students to "connect the dots" between the classroom and real life. Application and relevancy are two words that need to be used frequently when working with students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Julie, This is so important because they want to know as soon as possible how they did on a project, assignment or quiz. You are doing a great service to their learning progress by getting their work back to them quickly so they can see what they need to work on as the course moves forward. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Connie, You make a good point that all of us educators need to remember. It is the first and only time our students will experience what we are sharing with them that day. We need to be excited, prepared and motivated when we meet the class. It is easy to get in the rut and not stay on top of our game each time. So through strong personal effort and introduction of new activities in our courses we can help maintain the freshness that is needed. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Sean, Exactly! The key is knowing what the students want and with your work as a financial planner you have developed skill in getting that information from your clients. As you say this is the same for students. Draw them out and get to know what is important to them and then go from there. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Laura, Good way to get everyone involved. I use student learning groups a lot in my classes and find that when they are in the groups everyone participates, so even the shy students make contributions. It is a win win for everyone. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Marcus, You are right about the learning level between students. They bring their life experiences to the learning setting and then apply them to the different topics being studied. As a teacher I feel I am very fortunate because every time I start a new course I am exposed to the lives and experiences of 40 individuals that I would never have the chance to meet or work with in any other setting. By letting them share and question I learn more from them than they me. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Hi Alan, You are right about students liking to hear stories about your life experiences in their field of study. The fact that you were successful and now have chosen to enter teaching to share your knowledge is a powerful message that needs to be shared with the students. The more examples of how you were successful the greater the understanding by the students of how they themselves can be successful. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Eulalia, Welcome to the wonderful profession of teaching. I wish you much success. You have survived your first course so it will be easier from here on out. Keep up your excitement and stay focused on how you can help your students be successful and you will enjoy a great career in teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Dennis, Sounds like you really enjoy teaching and sharing your knowledge of your field. Keep up this great attitude because as we all know excitement is catching. By establishing a supportive and comfortable atmosphere you are helping your students to see that learning can and is fun and that they will gain much from the class in the coming weeks. This helps to keep student retention at a high level. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Teresa, You have a great attitude concerning what it means to be a professional. You have incorporated your idea of what it means to be a professional into both areas of your life, your nursing career and your teaching career. This incorporation gives the students a dual model of someone they should be looking to and reflecting on how they to can be a professional in the field of nursing. Gary

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