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

Increasing Student Retention

Hi David, This is a great way to bring the online course into the lives of your students. You have developed ways of reaching out to them so they know you are there to help them but that in the end they have to do the work themselves. Online courses can be a challenge when it comes to bringing students into the "classroom" settings and you are doing it very well. Good job with your efforts and your students as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Hi Cornelius, This is why I like the quote "The beginning of understanding begins with the willingness to listen." You made a very good point about this. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Courtney, Spoken like a great instructor. You know what works with your students and how to keep them engaged in the process of learning. I know your students enjoy your classes and having you as an instructor. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Juan, This is a great approach to the classroom. You are offering change of pace, variety and inspiration to your students. These are essential if you are going to keep them focused on the course and what their career goals are. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Hi Jason, Taking your approach to the classroom makes it a lot easier to be an instructor. Students like variety as you know so by bringing it to them you are helping them to be more engaged and excited about their studies. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Courtney, Thank you for your response. I like to ask questions of participants as well as contribute content. This way I get to learn along with everyone else. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Dawn, I understand completely. This is where I find myself. With some much out there I want to make sure I select the technology and medial that is right for my students and class. Takes time and effort but each time I teach the course it gets more refined. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Hi Andre, Good question and one that is still being answered on a number of fronts. One thing that remains a constant is the human relations aspect of teaching and career preparation. In spite of all the technology knowing how to conduct one's self in a professional manner is critical. The changes we see in other areas are still evolving but social interaction is still a basic. This is why there are many discussions about social networking sites and what role they plan in education and connections with the real world. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Richard, This is a good way to start a class off and you are right that it takes a while for the class to gel. This is a part of social development on the part of students as they get comfortable with each other and you the instructor. It is always good when they do pull together and you have a team of learners that are ready to absorb what you are offering. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Lorri, Your class sounds like a lot of fun with all of the different activities that you are using with your students. If they aren't engaged in the learning process with all that is available to them then it is their own fault. Great job. Gary

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