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

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Robert, What a great experience base you have. With this amount of experience you have a number of different approaches you can use to reach your students. Since the online method of instructional delivery is expanding so rapidly it takes experienced instructors like you sharing what you have learned about what to do to get students involved and helping other instructors. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Aaron, I like your method of putting the outline on the whiteboard. The students get what you are going to cover by hearing it, seeing it and then experiencing it. All these methods helps to reinforce in their minds and memories what they are learning in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Mark, What a great way to kick off a class. This gets the students settled into the class and enables them to concentrate on what you are saying about the course polices, expectations and requirements. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation techniques...

Hi Meggan, I think you have a good plan for motivating your students. Yes, motivating students in a online course setting is harder but with the discussion groups you are creating this gets them involved and talking with each other. All this helps to create a level of motivation even when not fact to face. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Hi Robert, Good point. Clear concise directions and expectations help to reduce the stress and frustration that students experience at the beginning of a new course. This gets them ready to learn much quicker. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Mark, Thanks for sharing this great example of how the instructor can set the stage for learning in a subject that many people might not think is exciting. I had a world history teacher my junior year in high school that made history come alive for me and I have been a history buff ever since. To him I will always be thankful. By letting the students know what your passion is (paleontology) you are helping them to expand their world to include a subject area that normally would not be a part of their lives. Keep up the… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Expanding Your Instructional Abilities

Hi Claire, What a great professional development plan you have. I commend you for all of your efforts in the various areas to improve your instructional delivery and effectiveness. I know your students greatly benefit from all of your efforts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Stan, Good job of covering all aspects related to instruction. All of these little things blend together to make up a supportive and comfortable learning environment. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Mark, You are doing a good job of mixing the flow of the class up and this is great for engaging the learners. Variety is a key way to help students to remain focused on the course content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Mark, Good plan for instructional improvement. By taking all of this input into consideration you are going to be able to bring instructional improvement to your classroom. Gary

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