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

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Cynthia, By offering instructional variety you are providing different ways for the students to take in information just as you say. These different methods help to keep the students engaged and moving forward in the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Michelle, I have used them as well and they are great as you mention plus fun to use in terms of getting feedback instantly. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Steven, Thank you for these comments in relation to the value of a well prepared syllabus. This document saves time and reduces student questioning because the details are spelled out in it and as a result the students can see as well as read what the expectations are. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Laura, Yes, they do. Otherwise they are frustrated and floundering around trying to figure out what the instructor wants from them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Timothy, Yes, learning is never ending. As a life long learner I enjoy having the opportunity to study and learn but it does take time and effort. This is a commitment we all need to make as educators if we are to offer the most current content in our field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Role Models

Mariko, Good strategy to follow. You are always "on stage" with your students and as a result you are influencing how they see a professional in their field conducting themselves. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Nicole, This is a professional supportive and open way to deal with such a student. I know your advice will be of value to other online instructors as they deal with these student challenges. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Managing Learner Behaviors

Troy, Good point because you are the professional and you are conducting yourself as such. I start with the saying "Courtesy is owed, respect is earned and rapport is developed." How far the students get in terms of these steps is how they conduct themselves. I will extend the courtesy but the are going to have to earn my respect, just as I strive to earn theirs, and the we can work on developing professional rapport. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Grace, I am a big fan of well developed syllabi. They make a big difference in how students settle into a course and react to how they are going to function during the session. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Grace, Right you are. Clear goals translate to student understanding of the content and value of the course. Without them it is just a meeting rather than a class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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