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

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Heather, I put all of my students into work groups and have them do case studies or problem solving. This helps them to get involved and using some of their newly acquired knowledge and skills. I have given students individual assignments and then coached them on the assignments and this helps to get them engaged and focused. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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The Learning Environment Effect

Hi Heather, Simple yet essential to have control over if the class is going to go well. A too cold or hot room gets the students thinking about comfort and not content so the effectiveness of instruction is lost. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making Your Expectations Clear

Hi Karen, Good way to start the class. By having a clear understanding of the course policies, requirements and expectations the students will be less frustrated and more motivated because they know what they have to do. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Jane, Good points about how to develop a personal support system. Such a system is so critical and many students don't know how to go about identifying people who can be a part of that system. Your efforts I know help them see the steps they need to follow to create such a system. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Dr. Gundaboena, Right you are. If they know you care and are prepared to teach them they will respect you and what you are teaching. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Curt, This is where you let your personality come through. As you say let them know you want to be their teacher. The reward for this effort will be increased student motivation and learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Student Feedback

Hi Thomas, So true! We instructors need to look for ways to receive and process student feedback for instructional improvement. The more we listen the better we are going to be able to target the needs of our students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Your Instructional Style

Hi Simon You are making great progress with your professional development. Keep up your learning as an educator and your teaching will reflect in the higher satisfaction levels of your students. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Motivating Learners

Hi Judith, In addition to the use of guest speakers and case studies I have the students do interviews. I have the students talk with someone that has been through the program and has experienced success in their career field. Talking with such individuals really motivates students because the conversation is one on one so the students make it personal to themselves. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Hi Bonnie, So true and so important! They need support if they are to continue being students and making progress toward their career goals. The human factor needs to be considered as we work with these students. Gary

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