Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Hi Theodore, You have painted a very clear picture of your students. Your are fortunate that you have the diversity that you have in your classes. Experience has shown that with age, cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity students have the opportunity to see themselves in others that have achieved. In addition, the students can see that no matter what background they bring to the classroom they can learn, grow and make a life for themselves. Your comments about learning styles are right on the mark as well. I have worked for many years in the area of multiple intelligence assessment… >>>

Lily, Nothing motivates a person like success. By taking your students out into the “real world” you are saying to them that upon completion of your training this will be you contributing to the success of the photo shoot or wedding. This has to get your students excited, after all this is why they are in school in the first place. The problem is that sometimes they forget their career goal and need to be reminded that only through much effort and hard work will they be able to accomplish their career goal. From the discussions in the forums I… >>>

Lily, Communication is the key isn't it? By talking with students you have a continuous forum through which you can identify the emerging needs and issues that are facing your students. This way, in many cases you can head off an emerging problem before it becomes a big problem that leads to the student leaving school. Observational skills are also a must. Instructors have to be observant in such things as class room dynamics, student interactions, changes in student behavior, etc. Many times students are sending signals of distress long before they surface. Early intervention can often help the students… >>>

Hi Carol, Right you are about the “slump”. As you know students don't drop out at the beginning of the course, but do after about two thirds of the course has been completed. This is sad for two reasons, one the fact they drop out, and two they have completed so much of the course for which they receive no credit. Slumps occur for a number of reasons and instructors have to anticipate these slumps as they emerge. By planning for activities and changes in the pace of the course the students can be reenergized much like the famous bunny.… >>>

Hi Ann, Application of newly acquired knowledge is the key to engaged learning. The hows and whys of knowledge application does much to motivate students especially in the core courses as you mentioned. By creating a clear picture of career use for students you will be doing a great service for their career planning. You will be helping them to create a future for themselves. Yes, the Career and Technical Educator's Survival Guide is out of print, but I have been able to find used copies through Amazon after several attempts. You never know when a copy will pop up.… >>>