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

Creating Personal Support Systems

Hi Connie, Your personal experiences of working through a support system for your daughter has put you in a great position to provide support for your students. You have been there and done it. Your number one, listening is critical for student engagement. So keep up the effort and let them know you are there to help them find the resources needed for their success. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Krystal, Your way of including students and showing them that you are there to support their efforts is great. This way they don't feel like they are alone out in space trying to learn something. They feel included in the process and supported in their learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Being Successful in College

Hi Clay, This is a good way to keep students engaged and focusing on their skill and knowledge development. In the design field there are so many factors that contribute to a successful design or product that it is easy to get discouraged if you feel no one appreciates your efforts. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Instructors as Motivators

Hi Susie, So true! Positive energy generates excitement and enthusiasm for all those involved in the learning setting. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Hi Jennifer, Thank you for both this example and this reminder. We, instructors need to remember to engage all of our students, not just the vocal ones. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Hi Connie, A good instructor is one that "reads" his/her students and then plans around their situations. You have done this with your current students because of the transportation issues involved. Keep up your effort to offer them maximum exposure to the work world when you can and when you can't try to bring the work world to their classroom through guest speakers and successful graduates. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Hi Robert, Having older students in my classes really helps to "sell" my course content because they see the value of what is being taught. They are goal oriented and want to acquire all the knowledge they can because they know where they want to take their careers. They can be a very good influence on the younger students who are not as goal oriented. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Hi Robert, I would start by having a private talk with the student and ask him what it is that you can do to help him be successful in the course. This puts the ball in his court to respond and think through his status in the class. For the most part this will get such a student focused on the course and success. If it doesn't you might want to suggest to him that this course might not be for him as you are trying to help your students to achieve their career goals and he doesn't seem to… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Hi Meredith, One of the things you can do to get some insight into the intrinsic motivation of students is to have them list their goals for the course. Ask them where they see themselves in five years and what or who is their motivating force for them to be enrolled. Answers to these questions will give you a lot of information that will help you to encourage them along the way as they wear down while dealing with life and going to school. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Sharing Comprehensive and Clear Course Requirements

Hi Chris, Good point. The communication process really helps to create a connection between you and your students. With clear communication from the beginning of the class the students will see how they can be successful in the course if they are willing to put forth the effort. Gary

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