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

Yashama, Good analysis of how you need to develop your instructional approach. With variety and change of pace you will be able to engage your students for the duration of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Melannie, The more real life examples you can give the more value the students will associate with the content. You are increasing the ROI for the students because you are showing relevancy and application. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Maria, What are some ways that you have learned to give your students reassurance? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Melannie, Clear and concise expectations right up front reduces questions, frustrations and anxiety for students. This information creates a foundation upon which to build for the duration of the course. Also a grading rubric reduces a lot questions by students because you lay out for them exactly what it takes to pass the course so from then on it is up to them to put forth the needed effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Melannie, Like your style. You are an engaging and dedicated instructor that sets the bar high for your students but will have fun and share a laugh with the when appropriate. The real world does not take excuses nor mess around and we shouldn't as we work with our students and help them create an identity in relation to their career area. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Melannie, I like the way you outline your own past in relation to the fact that you really wanted your education and as a result you did what it took to get it. I try to follow the same model in terms of letting them know that excuses are excuses and they do not move a person any closer to his or her career goal. I understand there are situations with sick kids, etc. and I factor that in when working with the students but the overall goal must always remain "success". I tell my students that their past may… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Mary Jane, I agree about the use of simulations and the value they bring to problem solving. I really like the idea of using Smoothies as the venue through which an example is made. The students get something to snack on while making application of their problem solving skills. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Critical Thinker Characteristics

Alex, Good definition and well structured in terms of how individuals work through the problem solving process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Sandy, Thank you for these great comments about how to refocus. As for help in getting students to see the value of English in their career areas I would do role playing, case studies and examples of how written and oral communication can make or break a career opportunity. I translate these stories into things like lost income or promotions so they can see that effective communication can enhance career growth if developed. Good luck! Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Tracey, Stories are great ways to get students focused on the application of the content that has just been shared. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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