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.

Activity

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Rita, Good way to approach the instructional process. Learners like variety and change of pace as they move through their coursework. You are providing both with your adding of or mixing up of your instructional delivery along with the integration of activities. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Russell, You make a very good point about skill sets. Students need to see how multiple skills sets will increase their value in the workplace. Knowing how to apply what they are learning in different settings and doing problem solving will expand their thinking which results in a more global perspective and greater career opportunities. This turns their studies into a win win setting for them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Motivation Factors

Sonya, Right you are. We instructors need to bring passion for our field and excitement about teaching it each time the class meets. The results will be engaged students that are motivated to learn. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivation Through Relevancy and Application

Kaley, Right you are and I am amazed at how many students don't seem to get this point. It is their choice to be there and it is their future they are preparing for. Why then are they absent, late and disinterested in their studies? Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Mark, Well put. This is why knowing each student as much as possible is important. We need to target our support and encouragement in such a way as to be seen and internalized by each student each time it is given. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Anthony, Good way to encourage them to stay in school and keep their focus on their future. They need to be encouraged to see the opportunities that will come their way upon graduation. For many students it is a matter of daily encouragement due to the external influences they face to drop out. Success requires effort to fail requires nothing. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Carla, I agree and I let them know I don't know but together we will find the answers to their questions. This results in a learning experience for all of us. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Kerry, I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I can relate to being worn out. By the time 10 pm rolls around I am used up because it is a real effort to keep students engaged for a period of 6 hours especially since they have worked all day and are already tired when they come to my class. The results are worth it though when I see the excitement in the eyes of my students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Donald, I think this is a good way to gain insight into how the students are perceiving the course and then adjustments can be made if needed. This will keep the course fresh from session to session. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Anthony, This is an opportunity that instructors should have ever so often. Stepping into something new and prepping for it helps to fire up the creative juices once again and that is what REFOCUS should be about. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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