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

Student Feedback

Sharon, Student feedback is critical for instructional improvement and professional growth. We need to have ways of collecting it on an ongoing basis. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Justine, So true and very important for teaching success. This helps the students to move forward toward their career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Human Factor in Retention

Justine, The value of this is almost beyond measure because you will reap benefits of knowing them and their names throughout the course and beyond. Knowing their names is the foundation of respect and rapport. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Kerry, The greater role you have as a role model the more influence you have on the lives of your students. We need to always keep this in mind when we are interacting with them. You make a very good point about the value associated with being a positive role model. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Christina, Thank you for sharing your experience with the same class but different student populations. This is an important fact we need to remember so we can customize to our audience. This way we will be more effective and on target for our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Jennifer, This is very true for adult learners. They need variety and change of pace if they are to stay engaged. So through mini-lectures (15-20 minutes) then activities the students will state on task and the course will be able to move forward at the desired pace. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Erika, Well said. They need to see their instructor as the learning leader and as a result know they can learn from and respect what they say. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Kit, Field trips are great motivators for the reasons you state. They help connect the students with the content and show why the content is valuable to their future and career goals. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Achla, It is so important to get the students settled in and comfortable with the class structure. This way they can focus on what you are saying without worrying about how they are going to do in the class and if they can be successful. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Kit, This is essential if the class is to get off to a good start. Having everyone on the same page and looking forward to the upcoming course sets the tone for learning. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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