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.

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Your Instructional Style

Dan, Good but tough question to answer because there are so many factors to consider. I work on a case by case basis and with each request or interference I look to see if the learning process has been impaired. I have a set of competencies the students have to achieve and if their personal lives and challenges stop them from acquiring them then I draw the line. At times I have suggested they step out of school until they have control of their lives and are ready to be students. I cannot and will not reduce my requirements for… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Elena, Good definition. It may also include the rapport you develop with your students and how they make application of the content that you are sharing. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making Instruction Relevant

Ted, Right you are about the integration process of learning. The more the dots are connected the higher the content retention is going to be. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Effective Motivation Techniques

Andre, I like to use this approach as well. Sharing like this helps the students become invested in the learning process as well as expanding their communication skills. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Valuing Student Opinions

Andre, Drawing them out helps them to verbalize the new content they are acquiring. They get to explain and discuss it while storing it in their working memory. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Valuing Student Opinions

Allyson, This way learning is a two way street. Everyone benefits when respect is earned and rapport developed. It is at this point the sharing process has value. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Increasing Student Retention

Andre, I agree. Be able to participate in the different aspects of the class and seeing how their contributions are valued really engage and retain students. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Creating Personal Support Systems

Judy, You make a number of excellent points about how to keep students engaged in the learning process while coping with external challenges. They need support to keep their eyes on their career goals and not be distracted by individuals that would like to derail their success efforts. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Being Successful in College

Kevin, This is an important part of being and effective instructor. We need to provide encouragement at key times to keep the students focused and continuing on their learning path. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Angelia, Good observations. Each class is different and as a result you have to adapt to the needs of that group of students if your are going to get them engaged. I support your use of stories because they help to make real the content of the course. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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