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 Matt, You make a very good point about the need to earn the respect and trust of your students. Once this has been done then they will be willing to share more about their needs and career aspirations. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Hi Lucy, Having never taught accounting but having taken several accounting courses that I thought would go on forever (I wasn't a good accounting student if you haven't guessed that already) I would suggest trying to create some competition between the students would be helpful. Is it possible to set up teams and have competitions in relation to solving problems or balancing general ledgers? The key is to even though the material may seem to be dry by creating a game of it you can get the student engaged. The games might be played every few days, for test reviews… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Hi Joe, This is a great strategy. It is a win win for everyone because of the information that is shared as well as the confidence that is gained as a result of sharing it. Thanks for sharing it with us. I know it will be of help to other instructors. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Hi Paula, Yes. Goals are a road map for learning. They tell the students what they are going to study over the next few weeks. They are the "carrot at the end of the stick" so to speak because they tell the students what they where they will be spending their efforts. If they put forth the effort then they will accomplish the stated goals that were shared at the beginning of the course. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Hi Linnie, Good strategy. The more you can "connect the dots" between theory and practice the more learning will occur. Application and relevancy are two words that need to be used often when teaching courses like math. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi Cynthia, What have you found to be the most effective instructional delivery for your students among those that you have listed. Thanks. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Accommodating Learner Preferences

Hi April, Good use of variety in your delivery. By using this format you are touching on all of the different learning preferences so each student is being given information in a way that enhances their learning. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Students as Class Members

Hi Lucy, The key is to involve everyone and you are doing that with your questioning method. This way the class can get comfortable with discussing and contributing to the topics and issues related to them. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Hi Joe, This is what critical thinking is all about. You are providing your students with a chance to develop their problem solving skills which are going to serve them well once they enter the field. The combination of knowledge and problem solving makes them more competitive in the work place. Gary

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Increasing Student Motivation

Hi Lisa, Great balance to your teaching. You are making learning fun and exciting for your students. That is what teaching should be about. You are creating a legacy for your field and impacting the lives of students, this is a great opportunity and should be enjoyed. Gary

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