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

Christopher, This is such a good model to follow because as you mention you helping them to integrate into their minds the process of problem solving. Through repetition you are enabling them to get a formula for how to analyze and work through design challenges that will lead to successful conclusion. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

Christopher, Yours is a perfect area for developing skill in reflective thinking. To be successful in the field your students are going have to be able to develop skill in the area of reflective thinking. The way you have it set up you are providing them with opportunities for this type of development and expertise. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Christopher, Thank you for your analysis because I think it is right on target. Technology has given us so much but it still boils down to the human factor when it comes to problem solving. To be good at it requires a lot of effort and discipline as you mention. The challenge is getting our Gen Ys to see the value of this approach. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Christopher, You hit on two very important elements in critical thinking--curiosity and confidence. Having both students can explore options, research solutions and then propose action which will lead to successful problem solving. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Nestor, Sounds like a great time for everyone. Classes like this is what keeps us coming back class after class. The intellectual exchange is fun for both us and our students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Your Expectations Clear

Jason, Clear and concise is the way to go. I like the way you lay it out. I try to do the same in my classes so there is no misunderstanding and everyone is on the same page from day one. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Learning Environment Effect

Jason, This is an ongoing challenge for most schools due to financial as well as space limitations. Sounds like you have found an alternative that is working for both you and your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Jason, I am a face to face learner as well as instructor myself so I can appreciate your comments about online courses. I have taught a number of online courses over the years but I still like to walk into a classroom or lab and interact with the students. Am using technology but not sure I am totally embracing it. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Joyce, These a simple yet powerful learning tools for students. They help students to see how everything fits together in terms of the total learning picture. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Joyce, Right you are and this is why at times it is good to stop and do a fun review so the students can see how much they have learned. I generally do this via a game like Jeopardy with prizes such as candy. This gets everyone involved and they soon realize they have really learned a lot and even more surprising they remember it. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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