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

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Nancy, What are some of the factors that you look for when you are setting up your classroom/lab so it will be comfortable and relevant to the students? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Shirley, How do you go about selecting the technology that you are going to use in your classroom? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Lyn, Thank you for sharing your insight on both on ground and on line instruction. Your approach enables students to get settled into the course and to look forward to the instruction that is going to follow. I really like the part about encouraging students to bring order and structure to their study lives even when they are in their homes. If they don't develop structure to their study habits they are not going to be successful. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Jeff, You are right on target with your comments. We move toward what interests and engages us. By knowing the population groups and how to approach them an instructor can develop lessons and activities that will capture the attention of the students and help them acquire the knowledge they need. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Karen, Well said. This has been my experience as well in working with diverse age groups. Life experience students really do approach the classroom differently from the beginners. One of the fun parts of teaching is to mix the two groups and let them share what each brings to the classroom. This really helps with developing respect for each other. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi Thomas, Good point. Your comments serve to reinforce the need for a well prepared syllabus. With a poorly laid out one the students and instructor start off with a disadvantage that is hard to overcome. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Hi LE, Good point. The syllabus is a valuable tool for everyone as you mentioned. The review part for yourself can really be beneficial if you want to make changes in the course. By looking at the sections outlined in the syllabus you can see where you want to insert new material or assignments. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Shirley, You are right. We find that the retention of knowledge goes up as well with this method because the students have to work to learn and build the foundation of the concept they are studying. Everyone relishes something they have had to work hard for and knowledge acquisition is no exception. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Wilma, Good approach. Your evaluation method should give you a more accurate picture of what your students have actually learned plus can apply. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Ty, Not exactly clear on the question you are asking. If you can give me some additional information I will be glad to try and give you some input. Gary

End of Content