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

Application of New Knowledge

Hi Robb, I like this strategy. It is simple, effective and very practical. They can do it in their own home which gives application to the exercise outside of the classroom and they are as you say physically involved throughout the learning process, plus they see the benefits through their test scores. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Robb, Good read on your own performance. Your points are right on target about the need for excitement and enthusiasm. It has to be there because if it isn't you get the results you mentioned and no one benefits from that. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Carlos, You make a good point about the need to keep reminding the students about where they are at in the course and how far they have come. They get worn down and need that kind of encouragement throughout. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Michhael, I do as well. The more we can show relevancy and application to our students the more they will see the value of the course content. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Carla, Thank you for the comments about your efforts to make your communication personal for your online students. Many instructors don't know how to do this or won't do this and they can't seem to get their classes to gel. Reaching out in a personal way like you do creates the connection needed to keep a student engaged in the course for the duration. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Amer, I use the same strategy for the reasons you listed. Knowing their names show that I have invested time in them as a person. I want to develop rapport with them so I can be of help to them when and if they need it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Jayasree, Good ice breaker. This gets the students settled into the course and feeling comfortable about being there. As you know this is so important on the first day. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Jayasree, Good plan. I do this as well and I am always amazed at how much I can learn from my fellow instructors. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Felecia, Good strategies all. The key is what you are doing searching for strategies you can use in your classes to be more effective and efficient as a teacher. This is what professional development is all about. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Becki, Your story made me smile and think back about some of my own experiences as a beginning teacher. I have taught in similar setting as that you experienced. It takes you back and forces you to consider how you can create a vision of the future for a unique student group like the ones you had. I think it makes for much better teaching when you have had challenges and students that would be considered more non-traditional. If you have success with them then you know you can teach. Gary

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