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

Students as Class Members

Charles, I like to use this strategy as well for the reasons you listed. All of us have to work with others in our workplace so the more our students learn how to work with others to problem solve the more success they will be in the work place. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Increasing Student Retention

Amer, Yes it does. Follow up of this kind shows students that you care about them and their success. The more connection we make with them the more they will strive to be successful in our classes. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Daniel, This sharing I am sure reinforces to many of your students the human aspect of being a student. Many of us were not the greatest students but we are successful due to hard work. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Amer, Yes, because through the sharing of experiences and stories you are reinforcing to your students two things, one you have been where they are and two, you know what you are talking about. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Dana, You have to develop and refine a lecture technique that works for you and your students. It sounds like you have found this approach to be effective and efficient for you all so keep up the good work with it. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Susan, I can appreciate the challenge you face. Try pausing in the lecture after 15-20 and do a Q&A session, or a one minute review. These changes in the flow and pace of the class keeps the students engaged in the learning process but lets them "reset" their brains and apply some of their newly acquired knowledge. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Susan, Try stepping back from your syllabus and reflect on what you wanted to know about the courses you were taking as a student. Then put that information into your syllabus because your students will want to know the same information. The syllabus should cover policies, requirements, and assignments. Be concise and clear and you will have a good syllabus. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Susan, So true and so important. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Role Models

Rachel, Good list of ways to model professional behavior and actions for your students. This gives them a set of standards to work from. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Instructional Professionalism

Gayle, This is the way to model professionalism. You are demonstrating through action and language the passion you have for your field and how your students should reflect their own career development. This way they will know how to dress and conduct themselves when they are in the work world. Gary Dr. Gary Meers

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