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

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Jennifer, You make a very good point about the value that comes from instructional blending of deliveries and strategies to keep students engaged. It is an ongoing challenge to identify what are the most effective ways of delivering content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Teresa, Great to hear about your excitement for expanding your professional development. I wish you continued teaching success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Cheryl, Respect and rapport are foundational to teaching success. We need to start the development of both from day one of class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Michael, One of my challenges in teaching on line. I strive to respond within 24 hours yet days go by without any follow up from some students. In many cases I think they expect quick turn around but don't see themselves as having any requirement to do such. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Presence

Eleni, You have explained this challenge very well. Being a "guide on the side" takes real effort and engagement and planning but when done well is a real joy to be a part of and participate in. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Optimal Online Student-Instructor Ratio

Jonathan, Thank you for that reference discussing establishing a "community of learners". This should be the core focus of what we are trying to do with our classes and as a result the size will be discussed in terms of effectiveness, not just revenue generated or classes covered. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Elivett, Right you are. This sets the stage for the students to focus on the course rather than worrying about how to get their questions answered. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Faculty Expectations

Fred, Having this contact information helps to reassure the students because they know they can reach out when they have a question or need. Just knowing they have this information helps them to be forward focused in terms of the course content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Larry, I so agree. I am amazed at how many students today want to be "given" solutions rather than going through the process you describe to solve problems. The crawling inside of the problem I think causes them a lot of grief because they don't want to spend time inside the problem they only want to hit a button and solve it so they can move on. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Tom, It worked for me. I don't believe I would have gotten many of the math concepts without graphically seeing them and building from there. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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