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

The Learning Environment Effect

Brian, Good point about a clean environment in which to teach and learn. We need to see where we teach through the eyes of our students and this will help us to make sure we make it a good as we can for them to attend. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Brian, Good flow and balance in what you are offering in terms of instructional delivery. This is how you will keep your students engaged. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Steven, Your last sentence raises a great question. The answer is the reason that some instructors have problems in getting their students excited about what is being taught. It is a fact if the teacher is not excited about the topic the students won't be either. We need to bring our A game in terms of passion for our field and excitement about teaching to class each time it meets. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Dorothy, Good point in relation to engaging students. An instructor that shows passion for his or her field and enthusiasm for teaching about it goes a long way in helping students to see the value of the course content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Anthony, I really like your analysis on how to develop problem solving skills. The steps you list and how students need to work through them are right on in terms of internalizing how much is know by students and how they can pull this knowledge out. Our educational system operates on more of a dependency model so the students want to make sure they can give the answer they think the instructor wants or what will help them past the next test. Career advancement is dependent on the ability to a thinker and problem solver. The question each student has… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Rebecca, This is such a good approach because this is what they will be doing when they are in the workplace. No body there will give them the answers. They are going to have to work through getting the answers themselves based upon their abilities to problem solve. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Marshall, Like the process you take your students through to help them develop their critical thinking skills. These steps require effort and reflection which many students do not want to do. Self discipline as developed through your efforts and the course activities will increase these skills. Keep up this valuable service in terms of helping your students to become critical thinkers. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Colin, Good analysis of how individuals can develop their thinking abilities. Your last sentence really lays it out in terms of having information in the mind from which selections can be made in relation to the current situation and how it can be resolved. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Robert, This is a great example of how to use graphic organizers. Creating visualizations of concepts really helps the students to "see" what is being taught. I know your students enjoy a lot success under your guidance and educational strategies. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Motivating Learners

Ninette, This is so important because students do need to own their education. They are transitioning from being high school students to being college students that have elected to go to school and are paying for it via tuition. If they do not own their education they do not own their future in terms of determining their success trail. They need to see that early and be reminded of it frequently. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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