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

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Suzarie, Learners love variety and change of pace in their learning. You are providing both with the activities you are offering. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Sandra, As they say they must keep their eyes (and minds) on the end result. If we can encourage them to do so they will more likely to complete their program and go on to career success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Amy, Right you are because a well prepared syllabus sends a clear message that you are prepared and that you are going to be the learning leader for the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Faith, Like your example about the ozone layer because it is right on target. The learning environment effect impacts students from the first class meeting throughout the entire course. We need to make sure we have a healthy "ozone learning layer" in all our classes. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Sonja, They need to feel accepted and comfortable just as you mention. This is why instructors need to look at their classroom through the eyes of their students so they can make any adjustments that are needed to make the learning environment supportive to them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Kate, This is an important part of being an instructor because you are helping the students to use their life experiences to reinforce what they are being taught. In addition, you are helping them to move closer to their career goals and this really impacts their motivation. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Amy, Yes, instructors have to connect the dots for their students as many of them fail to see the value of the content that is being taught. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Sandra, I am a big fan of using guest speakers as well. They help to make the content become real and increases the motivation of students as they see how they will be using what they are learning in their careers. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Lauren, I agree and still do this when I am introducing a new activity or concept. I respect them and their expertise so I value their input. The result is better instruction on my part and more effective learning on the part of my students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Germain, Good point and the reason that critical thinking courses are being offered all over the educational scene. Students are trying to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills at a point in their life when they have a lot of urgency in doing so and as a result they often miss critical steps in the critical thinking process. They are in need of learning how to learn in many cases. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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