Dr. Gary Meers

Dr. Meers is the Vice President of Education at MaxKnowledge, providing leadership for the development and delivery of our training programs for career college instructors. His extensive background in career education includes research, consulting and training in the areas of instructor performance, curriculum development, classroom management, student motivation, learning and assessment. He has authored over 100 articles and conducted over 500 workshops on instructional improvement and professional development. Dr. Meers earned his Ed.D. from the University of Missouri with an emphasis on Vocational Education, Adult and Higher Education, and Instructional Media.

Dr. Meers started his educational career as a vocational instructor, progressing to become a professor of education and human sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Meers has served as the president of the Association for Career and Technical Education, and as a commissioner of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. He has also chaired the Employment Preparation Committee of the President's Committee for the Employment of People with Disabilities.

Course Structure

• Can Start Anytime
• Modular Structure (with online content, quizzes and forums)
• Self-paced (within course enrollment timeframe)
• Faculty Support (facilitator/coach)

Course Length

• 4 Modules
• 4 Hours of Activities (about 1 hour per module)
• 4 Weeks to Complete the Course (1 module/week)
• Can Finish Faster

Completion Requirements

• Study All Modules
• Participate in Module Forum Discussions *
• Achieve 70% on Module Quizzes
• Achieve 70% on Final Quiz (one attempt only)
• Complete Online Course Survey

* You are required to participate in at least one of the module forums. We will assess the level of your discussion activity in the forum(s) in which you participate and may request an additional opportunity to engage you further in the discussion process prior to your certificate being awarded.

Module 1: Understanding Student Characteristics

• Age Diversity
• Cultural Diversity
• Disabilities
• Fear of College
• Support Systems
• Personal Circumstances
• Student Frustrations
• Student Needs
• Learning Activity

Module 2: General Strategies for Student Retention

• Setting the Stage for Learning
• The Human Factor
• Personal Attention
• Respect and Participation
• Goals & Expectations
• The Road to Success
• Enthusiasm & Fun
• Learning Activity

Module 3: Keeping Your Focus on the Students

• Definition of Learnativity
• Applying Learnativity
• Building Rapport with Students
• Managing Participation
• Charging Your Batteries - REFOCUS
• Recognize, Empower, Focus
• Objectivize, Commit, Unburden
• Surprise
• Learning Activity

Module 4: Motivating Your Students

• Reasons for Learner Motivation
• The Career College Student
• Motivating Through Reinforcement
• Motivating Through Retention
• Motivating Through Transference
• The Motivating Instructor
• Learning Activity

Completion of this Course:

• Certificate of Completion
• 4 Hours of Continuing Education

Completion of Three Courses:

• Certificate of Knowledge in Career College Teaching
• Eligible for MaxPrize*

*MaxKnowledge conducts an annual prize drawing to sponsor a Certificate of Knowledge holder to attend CCA's Annual Convention. U.S. residents are automatically entered in the drawing.

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