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

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Beverly, How do you learn this from your students? Do you have a discussion, they fill out cards or something else? Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

William, This type of greeting and welcome goes a long way in getting the students settled into the course and feeling accepted. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Robert, It has a tremendous influence on the learning of students. They are distracted if they are focused on the temperature or external sounds. We need to teach in an environment where we can get and hold their attention. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Ryan, This is a good blended approach that really helps the students see how to conduct themselves when they are out working. You are setting the standard for conduct and professionalism that they will need to strive for. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Gamaliel, Thank you for these good points on how to present yourself as a positive role model. The soft skills are an essential part of career success so we need to make sure out students get to observe them in action. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Leveda, So true. Being positive and enthusiastic makes a big difference in the climate of our classes. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Defining Instructional Professionalism

Chris, Good points about professionalism. We are always "on stage" with our student both within the classroom and without when we are moving about the campus. We need to keep this in mind as we conduct ourselves and interact with the students. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Effective Motivation Techniques

Christopher, I use guest speakers a lot in my classes for the reasons you cite. They can really get the students fired up about what is being taught. In addition, they help the students to see the value of the course content and the career preparation they are receiving. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Developing Student Rapport

Cynthia, Establishing rapport with students is one of the rewards of teaching. You get to work with these learners as they develop into professionals and as a result they will respect you and your contributions to their career development. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Effective Retention Strategies

Christopher, You have a good balance to your approach. You are also realistic as you are preparing your students for success in the workplace. No there will not be fireworks in the classroom and/or workplace but excitement and enthusiasm can always be there as a result of you bringing it, which is sounds like you are. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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