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

Your Instructional Style

Hi Sarah, There isn't a thing wrong with being a "copycat". This is how instruction improves since we all do it. In our university we operate under the CASE method. "Copy And Share Everything" Everyone benefits from sharing. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Heidi, Right you are about trying to meet the different learning preferences found within a class. Even though the class is primarily lecture you can introduce learning groups and other activities that allow the students to use the different learning areas such as tactile during these times. This helps them get involved plus it changes the pace of the class so they can stay engaged and focused. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Denise, With the hybrid courses you teach you are looking at two environments, online and on-site. The online site can be made supportive and comfortable in relation to navigation and use, etc. The on-site one based upon the physical aspects of the setting. The addition to this is the use of Blackboard. This to me is value added support. There are so many things you can do with Blackboard that help students have access to resources, each other and faculty. We use Blackboard at our university and I really appreciate having this resource as a faculty member. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Darrell, Rapport is critical for student success. You are working hard in this area I can tell from your comments. Knowing you are there for them really helps them to strive for success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Michelle, Such a simple formula but some many different components to make it work. It takes some instructors an entire career to figure out your formula and others never do which to me is sad. Teaching is hard work and stressful but the rewards are so great in terms of impacting the lives of students. Your QC2 is a way of making it happen. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Christine, Good point about each class being different. This is what makes teaching so much fun. Even if you have taught the same course many times the students are different each time. This means new dynamics which means different approaches and that spells never being bored while teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Darrell, Good point about gathering information from your students. The more you know the more you can plan for their needs. This results in better informed students and greater instructor satisfaction. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Michelle, If you did thanks for the answer again. It is comprehensive and thoughtful concerning how you approach your students. I like reading forum responses from instructors that really are student centered in their approach and you are that. I wish you much success in your teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Jennifer, This is a key part of making the course "real" for students because they know you know what you are talking about based upon your clinical experiences. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Lori, You make a good point about needing to write down some critical observations you have made along the way. Memory has a way of fading or at least changing but with the notes the recall of how the course went will and what you want to do next time will be clear and accurate. Gary

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