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

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Lorri, Right you are. With learners like this we instructors have to prepare even more so we can integrate media, activities and interaction into our classes. I have found that the time goes fast when the class is in session as a result of all of the different activities that are being used with the students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Monty, Right you are about online learning environment. This presents a real challenge for the instructor. What can an online instructor do to enhance the perception of students about how engaging and supportive the upcoming class is going to be? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Hi Steven, You are correct about how end of course evaluations have limited value. This is why I survey my students three times during the course. Their comments are anonymous so there is no risk to them in making the comments they do. I have not received any nasty comments in all the years I have been doing this. I have received some very pointed advice on how I could do something differently and this has been very helpful to me. Another weakness to me in end of course evaluations is not asking the right questions. My college uses a… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Hi Caren, You make a good point about getting student feedback. Often times the end of course evaluations can be used to help with changes that can be done in the next course. I survey my students throughout the course (each one third of the course) and then make changes as reflected in their comments. Many times I don't need to do anything and other times I can make changes that will better suite the dynamics of the current class. Also, by asking for their feedback I get a higher level of buy in from my students since they know… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Amy, By all means please do. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Kathryn, You are right about the need for students to have a clear understanding of the goals and objectives of the course. This way they know what the expectations and requirements are and can work toward the meeting of them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Bert, Sounds like you have developed a good way of getting a class off to a solid start. I am sure it is very interesting the first day when some of your students start to wonder who this person is and how did I get myself involved in this course. For those that come back the second time you know they are serious and that you are going to have a great opportunity to share your expertise and life experiences with them. I am sure I would really enjoy one of your classes because you are the real deal… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Gary, Good point and well made. We need to keep ourselves fresh and excited about what we are doing and how we can continue to improve in our skills as educators. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Lorri, This is a good way to check for learning plus change the flow of the class. The students get to do recall while storing information in their long term memory. This will really help them when they need to retrieve that information. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Bert, Great way to keep it "real" for the students. Your field like many others is changing at a very rapid pace considering our concern about safety and security in our lives. I know each day you have some very interesting examples to share with your students. I am sure you have a very interesting perspective on the couple that crashed the state dinner at the White House. This has to raise some interesting discussions about the Secret Service and how they operate. Gary

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