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 Mary, As the old saying goes "the only constant is change" and in teaching this is really true. You make a number of very good points about being flexible. You have to be or much of your teaching time is going to be working through frustrations that continually crop up. Keep up the good work. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Clarifying Your Expectations To Students

Hi Richard, Good job with laying out the steps of expectations for students. They are given the syllabus, textbook and supporting materials so they can see clearly what they are going to be expected to do in the coming course phase. This way they can see what they are going to have to do to succeed in the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Stacey, Good points all. Everyone wants to feel welcome in a new setting and to know that the instructor cares about your success is very important. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Patrick, A quality learning environment is much like first impressions it sets the tone for the class. What are some things that you do to help make the learning environment welcoming and positive for students? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Caridad, Technology is fun to use as a learning tool. The variety it offers engages students in the learning process in a variety of ways. Just a little caution make sure that you include the human factor, yourself in the process. Let them know that you care about them and their success. By establishing rapport with them they will be more likely to use the technology needed for learning success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Becoming aware of retention strategies...

Hi Carroll, You are introducing the human aspect of education with your remembering that you once set where your students set. That is important for us all to remember. A way of keeping us focused on our students needs. An aid to remembering students' names is association between them and an important fact abut them. By concentrating on fact association and practice which you get every three weeks you will start to develop an ability to get the names down much quicker. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Matching Content to Need

Hi Fred, You are giving your students multiple ways to process information. This is so important for the students so they can use their learning preference for processing course information and content. You are right on with time frame that you use for your lectures. I am sure you are able to keep your student focused and engaged in the learning process. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Hi Steve, Excellent way of bringing together why students are in the course. They need to be reminded of why they are there and how each day spent in the classroom is going to enhance their earning potential and satisfaction as a well prepared professional. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding learner characteristics...

Hi Sara, This is what rapport is all about, you extending yourself to your students. Thanks for sharing these methods with the forum so other instructors can benefit from your experience. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Patrick, Touching the life of students is but one of the legacies that a teacher has an opportunity to leave. It is a great opportunity to train the next generation of professionals in each of our respective fields. Gary

End of Content