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 Solita, Great to hear about the helpful information you have received. Good luck with your course next quarter. Let me know how it works out for you. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Andy, Visual representations and examples that can be displayed really help to set the stage for student learning. I like you like to put things up to create images in the minds of my students of what is to come and is possible. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Tanya, Always keep that attitude and you will continue to improve in your instructional skills. We all need to be life long learners when it comes to our field and our professional development. This way our students will benefit as we improve. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Mary, Yes, we are on the same page. By getting feedback from your students throughout the course you can make adjustments to the current course rather than having to wait until you start a new course. This way you can meet current needs as indicated in the feedback comments. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Kristine, You just mentioned something that is lacking in many classrooms today. "Common sense" If we have developed our ability to trust and read our instinct we will be able to adjust to the situation and still meet our goal. Well said. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Trudy, Being aware of what your students are seeing is a big part of understanding the learning environment. From your comments I can see you have that part understand and a part of your learning strategy. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Kristine, The working word here is comfortable and you are doing everything you can to make your students feel that way. Are there any activities you use to give your students quick and easy success right at the beginning to keep them from becoming overwhelmed with the upcoming course? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Cheryl, Great outline of how to make online students feel comfortable and a part of a class. This is going to be as close to being onsite as they get and your approach helps them to feel welcome and supported. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Jaynelle, You are right about the need for a comfortable learning environment. Our adult students have taken a risk from the beginning to enroll in the college and to take classes. They need to be supported in their efforts and decision. A positive environment with a dedicated instructor will do much to help with that needed support. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Hi Margie, Your last questions puts everything into perspective. Yes, it is going to be very interesting as you get several years of the current generation out into the real world with their technological integrated learning paths. One thing we need to keep in mind is than in 1962 B.F. Skinner developed a teaching machine that was designed to take the human factor out of education. The intent was to replace all teachers with these machines within a few years. Here it is 2009 and we are still here. The human factor is still critical to the learning process but… >>>

End of Content