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

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Khalid, Good way to keep everyone involved and moving forward in the course. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Jerrod, They need to see relevance and application if they are to be successful. Part of an instructor's job is to "connect the dots" between the classroom/lab and the work world. When this is done the motivation level of the students increases as does their success. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Motivators

Joseph, This is a very important strategy. If they can't or won't meet the standards of the class it is for sure they are not going to meet them in the work world. You are helping them to get ready for career success with this approach. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Valuing Student Opinions

Mary, I agree. Knowing they are valued for their opinions and that their input will be considered is a strong motivator for students, especially the older students with many life experiences. It helps them to see that they can use their life experiences to be successful in their classes. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Courtney, The brains of learners seek variety and change of pace. We need to incorporate both into our instructional planning if we are going to engage our students. The content retention rate is much higher when different activities and deliveries are used. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Application of New Knowledge

Robert, I agree with your assessment of Jeopardy. I have it set up on my computer and we play it on the big screen. My students love it because it is fun as well as very effective for review. A winner all around for everyone. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Students as Class Members

Joseph, How do you set these various activities up in your classes? Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor Enthusiasm

Jerrod, We need to be master salespersons, actors and entertainers while educating. You make a very good point about the need for bringing excitement and enthusiasm to the classroom. If we don't it is going to be a very looooooooong class for everyone. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Understanding Learner Characteristics

Ellen, I use guest speakers a lot in my classes for the reasons you stated. They help my students to see the value of the content I am sharing with them. In addition, they are motivators because the students can see themselves in the same positions as the guest speakers if they put forth the effort. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

KJ, Right you are. I am always amazed at the life experiences that my students bring into my classes each phase. I get to learn from them while they are learning from me. It is a growth opportunity for everyone, plus I can use them as resources. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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