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.

Activity

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Dr. Viar, I agree with your comments. Starting a new course is stressful enough without having to try to interpret what the instructor is saying in relation to how to pass the course. By having a well developed syllabus the requirements, expectations and policies of the course can be spelled out and the students can start to see how they can be successful in the course. This reduces anxiety and fear and increases confidence in student ability. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Setting Expectations

Hi Michael, This is good advice for all instructors. Use the exam feedback as an opportunity to refresh in the minds of the students what is expected and how they should be progressing in the class. You are right when they see the results of their first exam (good or bad) they are ready to listen. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Dr. Viar, Right you are. This is what being a professional educator and role model for the profession is all about. Life long learning is a must if we are going to stay current in our field and share the latest information with our students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Dinah, This is a good point about the "pay me now or pay me later" saying. By investing the time to be clear on expectations for the course you do reduce student questions and concerns from the very beginning. This also helps to get them settled into the course so they aren't as nervous about what it takes to pass the course since they know from day one. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Denise, This is a very good strategy. By providing a grading rubric you are giving guidance to how the assignments are to be completed. Also, a grading rubric will reduce student questions about how you arrived at the score or grade you did since the rubric shows each category and the points earned in that category. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Heather, Good point about how a students needs to be integrated into a new setting like the classroom, whether on-site or online. They need to feel accepted by the instructor and respected for who they are. With these components in place they will become comfortable and be less nervous as they progress through the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Heather, Whew, you made it through your quarter! This is always a big step in instructor development. Sounds like it went very well for you. Your professional development plan is a good one. You have already done a self assessment of your personality skills and the ones you listed are essential in providing student support. Your willingness to observe others, talk with instructors and receive feedback from students are all great ways to expand your expertise as an instructor. I wish you the best in your teaching career. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Wanda, What are some strategies that you are using to get better in knowing your subject? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Christopher, Our culture does not like silence whether it be on-site or online. I can appreciate what you are saying concerning this point. I try to have "wait time" and then go something else or ask a question. I find that the wait time is good to get the students thinking because generally after several of these they start jumping into the discussion because they don't like the silence. Also by asking questions you are breaking up the flow of content and this is important so the students can have a quick break from intake of knowledge to output… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Alexis, All good ways to keep your students excited about the course and engaged in the learning process. I teach evenings as well so I understand the challenges you face. It is fun to me to find activities to keep the students awake and learning from 4 until 10 pm. Every evening is different that is for sure. Gary

End of Content