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

Making a Positive First Impression

Gary, Your first sentence really captures the reason why a positive first impression needs to be made. From the first day onward it is a building process if a positive first impression is made. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Aldorey, Well said. A well prepared syllabus sets the tone for a positive class to come because the policies, requirements and expectations of the course are laid out for every student to read and understand. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Sharon, You are right on with your comments about how a syllabus should be prepared. I want to reinforce your point about the use of a grading rubric. A grading rubric saves time because the students can see exactly where points were earned or lost and it reduces questions about why a grade was given since the student can clearly see how each section of the project was evaluated. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Tomoko, This is so important to help the facilitate the learning of students. They need to know they are safe, respected and supported in the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Sharon, Thank you for these comments because they are reflect what instructors face in both situations. As a both onsite and online instructor I know my students face both types of distractions. I work hard to help my online students to see that they must strive to control their learning environment as much as possible if they are going to be successful in the course. I give them little things they can do such as move to another room away from the TV and then give another suggestion for creating a more supportive learning environment. I have found that these… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Sharon, The more realistic picture that can be painted for them the more engaged they will be in the learning process because they can see the ROI in what they are studying. They need see the connection between courses and their future and how all of this applies to their career success especially as they prepare to sit for their exams. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Aldorey, Good start to your professional development. What are some other ways you can expand your expertise as an instructor? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Tomoko, Students really like hearing stories about the field. They help to make the content real to them and increases the value of the course as it relates to their career development. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Nicole, The key is to select the devices and/or methods that will work in specific situations. The more strategies you have in your "educational toolbox" the more resources you have to call upon when needed. Good point because one strategy does not fit every situation. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Nicole, Peer sharing is a great way to get cross generational respect started. Students start to see that the life experiences they are bringing to the class can be shared and as a result growth is experienced by everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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