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, Like your example about medication. I think it is right on because so many of your problem solving efforts today seem to be focused more on a secondary problem rather than the precise presenting problem that started the problem solving effort in the first place. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

Christopher, Patience is not a strong point in our culture today. Neither is self discipline. By offering opportunities to define and then develop both the students are going to leave school with the ability to work in diverse settings and be of value to their employers. This is something they need to understand in relation to why you want them to work through the reflective thinking process. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Christopher, I think this is a great idea for your faculty. By doing so each instructor starts to see the connection the content has to the career development of students which in turn increases the value of the content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Theodore, Well said. This is how a critical thinker should walk through the problem solving process. By touching on all of the components that you list a person will have a clear understanding of the problem and be able to offer solutions that have merit. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

Brittney, Reinforcement is a powerful tool for instructors to use. Many adults in our schools lack self confidence due to their being out of school for a number of years or they feel they can't compete with younger students. The more success we can offer them early on in a course the greater their confidence will be and this will increase their personal motivation. This sets the stage for a win win situation for everyone. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Student Feedback

Shane, It is essential for continued growth as an educator. There is always something we can do to improve our courses so the more feedback we get them more knowledge we will have on what to do. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Brittney, You make a very important point that needs to be understood by students and instructors alike. Students for the most part strive to pass the course with the highest grade possible and in doing so they don't take as many risks for fear of failure. By letting them know you are there to coach, support and facilitate their learning you are serving as a learning leader upon whom the students can call. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Application of New Knowledge

Brian, This is such a practical and direct way to provide instruction to your student. You are helping them to develop their problem solving skills via direct application. In addition you are increasing the value of the course for your students because they get to see how they will use these skills out in the work place. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Shane, So true. Excitement is catching so if we bring passion for our field and enthusiasm for teaching to class our students will sense it and feed off our modeling and learning leadership. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Brittney, I teach from 4 until 10 pm so I can relate to your class situation. To keep the students engaged for six hours after they have worked all day is tough but through careful planning possible. It is fun to come up with creative things to do to change the pace of the class and help the students to reset their minds so we can keep the class moving forward. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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