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 Sabrina, You make a number of very good points about being prepared for your class and the demonstrations you are going to be conducting. To me the even more powerful point is the one you made about having more time to spend with your students due to your preparation. This is something that I really enjoy doing. Chatting with my students as they get settled in for the day is a essential part of my teaching. By having everything laid out I can focus on the students and not have to be chasing something down at the last minute.… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Tony, You make a number of good points about the dynamics of group work. We all have to learn to work with others if we are going to succeed as the work world. The more experience we can give in developing coping skills the more successful our students are going to be. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Helen, Good strategy for really mixing the students up in their groups. This way they get to know and work with all of the students in the class. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Josh, I think the groups will work better if they are changed around for different purposes. I put the students into groups and have them work through a case study which may take a couple of weeks. When the case study is completed the students can see that they have completed a project so when I put them into new groups they are ok with it since they will be starting something new. It really helps with the dynamics of the group plus gives them the chance to get to know other students better. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Gabriel, I can understand the situation that you describe. This is a real challenge for instructors. Something I have done is to have a number of simple but easy to do games and activities on the computers that the students can play with during breaks, lab time, etc. I do some simple assignments on the computer to help build the students' confidence in using computers. Little steps to be sure. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Lacey, Great idea! Thanks for sharing it with us. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Rhonda, Great way to start a class of with the requirements and expectations. I really like your use of a grading rubric. I use them in my classes and they really help to show the students where points can be earned and how the points break out. The use of a rubric really reduces a lot of confusion and debate about grading. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Kristen, You are helping to bridge the gap between theory and real world with the examples of what is happening in your industry. This helps to get the students excited about their success potential when they complete their programs. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Linda, Spoken like a true educator. Analyze the needed content and then select appropriate delivery methods and you will be on your way to teaching success. You will have fun and your students will enjoy success as a result of your efforts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Kristen, You are so right about how critical the environment is to successful learning. Students have to have adequate equipment and supportive resources in order to be engaged in the learning process. Gary

End of Content