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

Your Instructional Style

Jeff, Try just a few uses of media and other delivery modes until you get comfortable with how they fit into your instructional style. Then as your comfort level increases you can expand the use of them so you will be introducing content through a number of different methods and will keep your students engaged throughout the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Bill, Thank you for your contribution to this forum. Your comments are right on target with the experiences I have had in teaching critical thinking concepts and problem solving. The nine dot challenge is excellent for getting the students to visualize in a more global way and I use it frequently in my courses for that reason. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Analytical Skills

Bill, You make a very good point about how to structure small-group exercises. They need to be set up in a way that has everyone contributing and accountable for the end result. It is easy for one or two individuals to do the bulk of the work and then feel put upon. So balance of contribution is essential. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Crystal, This information is very valuable when it comes to instructional planning and delivery. It enables you to more accurately target your instruction to the current group of students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Roberta, Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching the content need to be present each and every time we step into the classroom or lab. It is for sure that if we aren't excited about being in the class it is for sure the students won't be either. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Vaughn, Your last sentence says it all in relation to the value of knowing the characteristics of your students. The outcomes from knowing them better are tremendous in relation to earning their respect and establishing rapport. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Roberta, Yes, you are because you know the population you are working with as a result of introductions and the investment of some time in getting to know each student. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Claire, This is the model I follow with my student assignments for the reasons you state. By sharing this addition information I remind my students of my expectations and requirements plus they feel comfortable in knowing they have everything right in front of them to successfully complete the work if they are will to put forth the effort. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Tony, Right you are because if they do not have confidence in you and your abilities then respect will not be earned from them and the course will not capture their attention. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Claire, This is a common concern listed by online students. As online instructors we need to help them adjust to this new learning environment through increased interaction and follow up. Once they see that they are still connected to their instructor and other students in the class their engagement increases. But, it does take some effort and time on our part. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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