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

Being Successful in College

Jennifer, This is so important because the educational system is built upon students receiving evaluations from their learning leader. So the more we can get our students to think about their instructors as being consultants to them in terms of helping them be successful and give them support the more success students will have. Yes, we do evaluate their work at the end of the course but prior to that time we can be a source of information and guidance as they learn how to be successful in college. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Betty, This is such a valuable exercise for your students to complete. I like the way that your students work through a problem and then share their results. This gives them some many different perspectives that I know when they face a situation or problem in the workplace they are going to be able to come up with a solution that right on target. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Jessica, They certainly can be identified through their approach to situations and problems. They examination of the options available and then coming up with solutions is what will set them apart when they are in the workplace. Employers look for critical thinkers and problem solvers so the more they can excel at critical thinking the more valuable they are going to be upon graduation. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Clare, This is such a great way to get your students personally involved in creating a graphic image that is personal to them in relation to the content being shared. It is for sure that they are going to retain the information at a much higher level when they conclude this activity. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Michael, You are right about there now being nine types. Dr. Howard Gardner and his staff expanded the categories as a result of their research. In my research where I developed and assessment called "Talent Key" where the three dominant intelligences are identified for learners. I and my research team are currently working on assessment questions that will incorporate the other two intelligence areas. Will take a about 18 more months before we have it validated. I am big fan of sharing with my students the saying "it isn't how smart you are but how you are smart". I think… >>>

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

David, Like the way you express how learning should occur. This approach is a great way to get the students involved in the different parts of the course, such as Q&A sessions, project reporting, etc.. This helps them as they internalize the content that is being shared while learning more about themselves in relation to the career they have chosen. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Ana, Sharing opinions is a part of the learning process and should be encourage by instructors. This is how growth occurs in the field as well as personally for students. They learn how to express their opinions in a way that will inform others and in return learn how to listen to others as they share their perspectives. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Jennifer, I agree about the value of feedback. Through feedback both the instructor and the students are keeping up to date on the course and how it is going. Students know where they are in terms of course status and instructor learn how effective they are being in terms of content sharing. Good feedback is a win win for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

David, Thank you for sharing this strategy with us. I think this is a great way to stay on top of how your students are processing the material you are sharing. I know this method will be valuable to other instructors. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor REFOCUS

Paula, Something we need to always be on the look out for and strive to prevent if we are going to stay at the top of our game as educators. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

End of Content