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

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Joseph, Good point about being realistic in terms of your field but also reinforcing the benefits that will come if the effort is put forth. This is what real world life is all about. There is the "aw" of the career and the then "actual" of the career. There has to be a balance between the two if a person is going to be successful and enjoy do that type of work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Joseph, Your students have a real asset in you as an instructor. By having the experience as a social worker you know how to do referrals for services for them. Much of my work is doing career planning with persons with disabilities. The need for adult support services is great and once we get those services lined up then we can make progress toward their career goals. Keep up the work that you are doing. The emotional and social support is so important to keep them forward focused and able to engage in the learning that is needed for… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Karen, Reading the learning preferences of your students and then offering a variety of instructional deliveries helps to keep the students engaged. You are right on with your strategy to offer these different methods. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Ulises, Good point. I am a big fan of the "immediate use of newly acquired knowledge" saying. Your method is just that. They hear it, see it, learn it and apply it. That is what skill development is all about. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Hi Ellen, This is what I admire much about our students. They have very busy and full lives and yet they see the value of expanded education so they devote time out of their schedules to learn and improve their career options. Way to go students! Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Hi Ashley, I like this method as well. It reflects a saying I read some time ago. "To teach is to learn twice." You get to learn it as a student and you learn it again as a teacher. By having students do a demo for the class they are learning the content and procedures twice which really helps to seal it in their memories. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Hi Darci, That saying is so baaaaaaaad! (the whole tooth) I love your sense of humor and I know it is what keeps your students engaged in the learning process. The key is when you mentioned that they are disappointed when a slide or two goes by and you don't have a saying up there for them. Keep up the good work! Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Hi Linnie, This is a good way to keep up with your students and their perspective on the class. You can make adjustments that might be needed by having the information at midterm rather than at the end of the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Hi Kerry, You raise a very good point about student feedback. I have my students give me feedback after each major project and/or assignment. I give each student a 3X5 card and have them comment on the specifics of the project and assignment. This way I know how they perceived the project/assignment and how I can improve on what I require and the instructions I give about the completion of the project/assignment. Since the feedback is ongoing throughout the course the students have numerous opportunities to give input. The end of the course evaluations are of little value in my… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Hi Ann, Good point. I strive to do my best each and every time I teach but I also realize that I'm not every student's cup of sunshine so they reflect that in their feedback. Also, they can be having a bad time in life when I ask for feedback and I am the person they take it out on. I balance the 99% of the students that like what I am doing as an instructor with the 1% that don't and so I feel good about what I am doing and will continue to try and improve my skills… >>>

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