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

The Learning Environment Effect

James, You are doing a good job as the learning leader for your students. You have everything laid out for them as well as a comfortable place to learn. This is how instructional planning should be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Laura, I think you are on the right track with your approach. My suggestion would be on the look out for unique ways to present the information that will engage your students. You are bringing food to class for show and tell. Can you bring other objects that will illustrate the composition of a food substance and how it provides different types of nutrition? How about role playing using the students to portray different foods or cells in food. Just streaming some ideas of how to engage them. Not sure they will work but the idea is to be creative… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Billy, I think you are going to like results you get from asking these questions. These questions are going to help you to know your students much better so you can customize your instructional delivery to meet their needs. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Shawn, You make a great point about the need for small successes. This is especially true for older adult learners. They are often fearful of being able to be successful when coming back to school so if they can have early success in a course their confidence soars. The upon the foundation of those small success comes greater success and it just builds from there. I really enjoy days when this occurs in my adult learners and they realize that in fact they are going to pass the course and maybe even with an A. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Offering Varied Instructional Delivery

Shawn, This is so important because students like change of pace and variety in their instructional delivery. You are doing such so you are appealing to the different learning preferences in your classes and the result will be more engaged students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Melanie, They in a sense are both. I list the course goals in the syllabus and go over them with my students as I get a new course underway. Goals are directional indicators, meaning where the course is going to go during the next few weeks. So I remind my students frequently of what our current goal is and what we are doing to accomplish it. This way I can list the objectives for that goal on Blackboard and/or on the chalk board to remind them of the steps we will be following for that goal. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Comprehensive Planning for Instructional Success

Heather, You are so fortunate to be able to observe a seasoned instructor and to have resources available to you that have been proven over and over in the course. You are right about preparation and more preparation. Having good preparation behind you gives you a level confidence that even as a new instructor you will feel and display to the students. With these resources you can focus on developing your instructional style and method of student interaction that you want to be your trademark. Be sure to take notes on how your classes go so you will be able… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Vanessa, What are some ways you do these two activities with your students? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Heather, Thank you for the kind words. You can be a model and inspiration for your students as they focus on creating a career path for themselves. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Heather, Love your enthusiasm and passion for your field and teaching. I know both carry over into the classroom and lab. I wish you continued teaching success and know you are going to continue to impact the lives and futures of your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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