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

Being Successful in College

Candace, Good for you. This has been my experience as well and they need support and early success to see that they in fact can be successful in the class. These early successes help them to build up to the point they have the confidence that they are going to be able to complete their courses and get on with the next chapter in their life. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Melanie, I use an MI assessment I have developed with my students and I find that the results are a great asset to instructional planning process. Working in their dominant areas really enhances their content and course retention. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Jeff, Well said and critical for a new class. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Carol, Good point about having the students sign and hand in a sheet acknowledging that they have received and read the syllabus. This puts accountability on the students and reduces their blame shifting to you when something comes up and we know something will. Each course phase it seems like some new issue comes up that requires some thinking and planning to work through to keep the course moving forward and the students comfortable. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

LaTunija, With my externships I have a forms that the students and worksite supervisors fill out during the time the students are on site. In addition, I use a checklist with the students on a regular basis (weekly in our case) so I know what they are doing and that their experiences are on target with the stated objectives. This keeps them accountable and gives me something to grade them on. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Cliff, Good way to include all students. It is easy for the shy students to be overlooked in the activities of the class. This way everyone is contributing. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Samantha, I like the comprehensive approach that you are taking with your students. They are acquiring knowledge, skills and career preparation all at the same time. This should put them in an excellent position as they enter the workplace. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Melanie, So true. We are trying to help with behaviors that should have been acquired prior to coming into the class but unfortunately have not in many cases. Makes our work even harder because we are trying to impart content as well as soft skills in a very short time. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Steven, Good point. I use the example of asking students the question "How do you eat an elephant?" Answer: "One bite at a time." The key is helping them to see how the smaller segments can build toward the big picture. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Monika, Glad you like the information that has been shared. Graphic organizers helps the students to see both sequence and the big picture of concepts and their involvement in completing the organizers uses another learning sense. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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