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

Engaging Learners in Discussion

Patricia, Good strategy for getting students engaged early and often. Also, sounds like you are able to get some really good input. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Jerry, You make a very good point in your last sentence. In the online environment sometimes students feel like they are drifting in space and don't have the full attention of their instructor. By having ongoing communication with all students this feeling can be reduced not to mention the earning of their respect and the development of rapport. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Patricia, Everyone likes to receive feedback. You make a good point and one that is easy to overlook since our good students often are not interacting as much with us as some of the more challenges students. This way everyone is receiving feedback and everyone benefits. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Amber, I would continue to inform and share this information with students just as you are doing. What I would then to is a mini-review of this information as it pertains to that class, the current grading period or any other time frame that students are working within that has a deadline. Yes, they do miss some of the information when given in volume but by reviewing and repeating the short term requirements the students will have their memories refreshed and will focus on the upcoming due dates. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Martha, Well said. Knowing support and expertise is available readily is so important for online students to realize and utilize. They need this type of support if they are to become engaged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Shannon, Good sequential strategy of progressive introduction of leaning steps. This way at the end of the class the students can see clearly how they have expanded their knowledge and skill levels. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Shannon, Yes, it does and this is critical for increased student engagement. We need to use instructional delivery formats that reflect the composition and dynamics of our currently enrolled students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Tripp, Good point and one that needs to be considered when doing instructional planning. We need to see our classrooms/labs and instructional delivery through the eyes of our students. This way we can make changes that will increase the engagement of our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Dan, What a great approach you have. You are integrating yourself into the total climate and environment of the school to the benefit of both your faculty and students. This is what being an educational leader is about. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Tracy, I agree with you about enthusiasm. We need to bring our A game to the class each time it meets. If we are not passionate about what we are teaching and excited about sharing our knowledge with others then we should stop teaching. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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