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

Application of New Knowledge

Hi Wendy, Great strategies for helping your students to remember needed content. Plus, you helped me learn something new about setting up buffets. The next time I am at a function with a buffet I am going to be looking for BUFF to see if they got it right. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Learning from Instructor and Student Introductions

Hi Michael, By having this exchange of information between yourself and your students, both you and they can develop respect for each other. This sharing also establishes in the minds of your students that you are a professional that has the knowledge and skills to help them learn what they need to know to achieve their career goals. This is a very powerful message. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Jeffrey, I know what you mean about students liking to hear "our" stories. By sharing our stories they can see that we have had the same challenges they are currently facing and that we were able to overcome them just as they can. These kinds of reminders help to keep them focused on the prize that they are seeking and that is a career. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Marilyn, You make a good point about reminding students how far they have progressed in a short period of time. Students get so caught up in the everyday aspects of being a student that they sometimes forget they are really progressing in knowledge and skill acquisition. A reminder of this progress in the form you shared gives them a clear picture of where they were and where they are now. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Hi Sabrina, Great points on how to get students motivated. I know it is even more challenging when you are teaching online since you can't immediately read the students' body language but have to analyze students' responses in terms of what they are "really" saying. You make a key point about when they something in anger you may not be the source of that problem so you need to sort through and try and determine what they responded like they did. What are some things you look for when you are reading an email that has signs of obvious stress… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Hi Rosemary, Thank you for these two examples of how to motivate students. The past grads are "money in the bank" for you when they come in and the current crop what it is "really" like out there. Even though you have said it many times, it really sinks in when a former students says it. Enjoy the praise because you deserve it. Instructors work very hard at putting together an educational program for students and to hear that the program is effective and valued by past students is what keeps you coming back day after day. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructor Enthusiasm

Hi Marilyn, Your example is a good one for motivation. We have to remember that many students have never spent anytime with a professional in the field so their instructor may be the first such person they have a chance to observe over a period of time. So when the instructor is motivation and excited about the course and the day's topic then they will be as well. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Vinita, What part of the learning environment do your students see to focus on the most? Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Feeling Accepted Helps with Success

Hi Rufino, You make a good point about student acceptance. This is why it is so important for instructors to develop rapport with their students so the students will know that they have an advocate should they need one.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Charlotte, Your approach is so important for the students to have a holistic exposure to their field. By having them smell, taste, touch and experience the various components and procedures of the field you will be building connections between the cognitive and physical aspects of your field. Keep up the good work. Gary

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