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

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Jacqueline, I have used this assignment strategy as well with very good results. It is good to hear about the success you have experienced with your students as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Asma, Good way to provide student support even in an online situation. The key is getting to know the students and creating a trusting relationship with them. It is when this is in place you can offer assistance that will keep them making progress in the course and their career goals. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Crystal, Good point. Make that good first impression so you won't have to dig yourself out of a hole with the students. Many instructors don't follow this advice and as a result they never really get in sequence with their students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Asma, Right you are. It is easy for a student to feel abandoned in an online environment so frequent communication is a must if this is to eliminated. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Asma, This is a good point about online courses. If students don't participate there is no way to "read" what is going on with them. So every effort should be made to keep them engaged and communicating with you throughout the duration of the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Catherine, Great ways to effectively communicate the expectations and requirements of the course. All of these information points helps the students to see how they fit into the class and what it takes to be effective. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Jim, Having gone through such a program that you teach I like the way you approach the use of live animals. The students need to see the value of handling the animals in certain ways and why they are doing so. By having this knowledge they will be more effectively and efficient with the animals. The more they learn now the better they will be when they are in their careers. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Catherine, It is always good to learn from others, be it through observation or talking with them. You are on the right path with your desire to observe other instructors for additional techniques you can use in your classroom. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Christopher, I wish you much success as you expand your communication skills while increasing your enthusiasm level for your content. As a result you are going to enjoy your students and their excitement about learning new content and skills. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Hi Jayasree, Good combination of instructional strategies for your students. These methods will keep them engaged and focused on the content. Gary

End of Content