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.

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Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Joseph, You make a very good point about connecting with students through the learning of their names. It is powerful as you mention because it shows a level of caring and professionalism that all instructors should demonstrate. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi John, Thanks for sharing this real world project that walks the students through all of the steps of completing a major undertaking while giving them the course content. They get to see the beginning and then the end result which is the performance or showing. No wonder the new students are already talking about it before they get into the class. This has a big wow factor to it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Eric, I am sure your enthusiasm comes through as evidenced by the effort you put forth in finding current applications of biology. This way the students know you are always on the look out for something you can bring to class that will show them how biology can be applied to their daily lives. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Hi Joseph, Your last sentence really captures it. They need to see application and relevancy to what they are learning. If instructors can show them these two things then their engagement in the course will increase. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Richard, The connection between acceptance and success revolves around retention. If students don't feel a part of the class structure or that the instructor doesn't care about their success then it is much easier to drop out. It reinforces their decision to quit because it isn't their fault it is the fault of the college or the instructor. Our culture is into blame shifting so the students are well versed in such a technique. By helping the students to become involved in the course and feeling a part of the learning community the dropout factor is reduced. The scientific… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Hi Ann, This is an important part of course planning. When you see the class through the eyes of students you gain a perspective that helps in organization, delivery and activities. Each time we teach we gain more insight on how to be more effective and efficient as educators. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

Hi Connie, Positive feedback helps to keep students engaged and focused on the course and their personal goals. You make a good point about how they expand their motivation level when they see the progress they are making. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor REFOCUS

Hi Steve, What are some ways that you generate excitement for the content in your classes? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Hi Robert, Wells put. We can receive, internalize and then profit from the feedback we get from students. This helps us to grow and expand our expertise as educators. I have found that my students give me pointed and positive feedback for the most part. There is the occasional student that vents but I don't let that bother me. I try to learn from what he/she said and let the venting go. This keeps me positive and excited about teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Michael, Excellent point that students sometimes miss. Instructors need to coach and mentor the students into the understanding the concept of the "golden rule". The people with the gold make the rules. Once understood then career success can start. If they don't get it they will spend a lot of time filling out job applications. Gary

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