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

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Jay, This is a great way to involve students. They are contributing original content to the discussion based their life experiences. This is how it is going to be in their work settings so the more they can develop skill in problem solving the better prepared they are going to be. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Jay, You are right this is an ongoing process. They need to be reminded the reason they are in school and what they are getting out of all their effort. This helps to keep the motivation level up. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Hi Stacey, Good approach to helping your students see the connection between the classroom and the upcoming real world. The more examples they can see of how they can transfer their newly acquired knowledge and skills to the work setting the easier the transition is going to be for them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Hi Michelle, Passion sells. Students that have an instructor that is passionate about his/her field and is willing to help others prepare to enter it is going to enjoy a much higher motivation level among the students. This makes teaching exciting because the students are focused on learning about the field so they can become a part of it. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Hi Sheila, By following the approach you shared with us an instructor could help students to feel accepted and comfortable in this class. When working with ELL students this sense of acceptance is so important if they are going to continue in the class and feel like they have something to contribute. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Melinda, This is so true. They have to see the connection between now (school) and the future (their careers). If they can capture this vision they will be more excited about their studies and school. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Retention Strategies

Hi Randy, What a creative way to get the students to think over why the correct answer is correct while the wrong one is wrong. I would imagine you have some very good discussions during these times. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Reasons for Enrolling

Hi Hilary, You are doing a great service to your students because you are showing them the return on investment (ROI) that comes with effort. By connecting your general studies classes with their career goals you are helping them to create a vision of their future which results in increased motivation. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Hi Gary, Your comments are right on target with sound instructional planning. The blend you speak of helps the students to stay engaged and focused on what they are learning and how their career plans are progressing. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Mike, Right you are. By showing your students how the real world operates you are giving them a chance to understand relevancy and application to what they are learning. This is so important to their career development. Gary

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