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

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Wayne, Like your style. You are slowly moving your students from being passive problem solvers in class to active problem solvers as they prepare to leave school. They need to understand that you won't be there when they leave school and they will need to make decisions and solve problems in their work place. They need to be visionary in their collecting of information about a problem and then selecting a solution. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Intelligence

Wayne, This is why intelligences needs to be looked a different perspective and be seen in the light of use and application. This is why we need to help our students develop their functional assessment skills along with their academic skills. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Aisling, If we can do what you have outlined in your comments then we will have done a great service for our students. They will be able to leave school knowing that they have the knowledge and expertise to work through different situations and come up with solutions. This is a form of empowerment that students need as a take away. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Wayne, From my perspective your comment is right on. I believe as you do in terms of effective problem solving being able to look a a wide range of options and then select the one that best fits the situation and resources available. Thanks for making this good point and sharing this perspective. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Aisling, This is a very good point because it has been my experience over the years that your point is right on in terms of how individuals acquire the skills and expertise needed to be problem solvers. There are steps that need to be followed and skills developed so the end result will be problems solved in a way that is consistent with resources and needed outcomes. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Understanding Learner Characteristics

Alan, Good point and one all instructors need to remember. We should not just use what is easy or the most comfortable for us. We need to use what is helping our students to learn and progress in the course via their different learning preferences. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasons for Enrolling

Abel, This approach does so much in earning the respect of students and then starting the development of rapport. Knowing you care about them as individuals goes a long way in forming trust. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Abel, Good way to keep them engaged and being active learners rather than just passive listeners. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Abel, These instructors are a challenge to work with since it is obvious they have no interest in either their students or their field. They need to get into another line of work or reset their attitudes. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

John, Right you are about the influence of external factors on the lives of the students. We can only support our students and help them within the confines of the school and hope they will be able to overcome these life challenges and remain successful in school. Gary g Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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