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

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Andrea, This is why balance is so important in relation to the environment. Everything from lighting to temperature has to be in balance so the students will focus on the course not the conditions. Once they get the feeling for the environment they will settle in and be ready to learn. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Kathleen, Thank you for this great run down on student personalities. You are right on with your descriptions and their needs. "And they say teaching is easy." One of the needs that instructors have is to develop coping skills for working with these students. It doesn't take long to develop the experience base from which you can operate to meet their respective needs and keep them contained within reason in relation to demands. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Andrea, Just keep working at it. You will find that you get very good at commanding their attention through your conduct of the class. By using different types of activities you will be able to get them to focus on you and the course content. This is what learning engagement is all about. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Jeffrey, All your efforts as you have outlined them here will serve to refine your style and not change it. This is a good thing because you will get better at understanding your style and how it works with the students you are teaching. Each time you teach a course you will get better at it plus more comfortable with your teaching persona. Gary.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Thomas, Thank you for sharing this idea even if you can't find or remember the book. The idea is clear and very understandable. I know it will be of help to other instructors. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Brenna, Good method to get input from the students at the beginning of a course when they are unsure whether they should ask a question or not. This way they can ask the question without feeling they are going to be put on the spot. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Dawn, You are right in your belief that open dialogue is important for students. By being willing to listen and respond to students you are sending a very clear message that what they have to say is important to you and the class. This really helps them as they develop respect and rapport with you. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Dan, Personal examples are very important for students to hear. They help to make it real for the students and they can apply this information to their own lives and career goals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Gretchen, Thank you for sharing your plan for having a learning environment that is supportive to the learning of your students while reducing the distractions. This way your students can come in and focus on learning immediately. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Jeffrey, Good class management. You have found a balance between the physical and cognitive aspects of your classroom and the learning that occurs within it. I commend you for your approach to keeping the negative to a minimum. You are right it will take over in no time if not dealt with. Gary

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