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

Allison, I am a big fan of concept mapping for the reasons you list. This is such a great tool for students to use as they develop their technical and emotional skills in the dental hygiene field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasoning as a Resource

Allison, Good point. No matter how hard we wish we could fly we can't because our bodies just are not made for flying. So through critical thinking we can come up with alternate strategies for accomplishing what we need to accomplish. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Allison, Thank you for sharing these thinking starters with us. They are great ways to get the students to start thinking and then come up with possible solutions. From that point all it is a refinement process in relation to developing expertise in critical thinking. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Diane, Your last sentence includes the essential elements needed for critical thinking. If critical thinkers work within these areas they are going to be able to come up with solutions to problems and grow in their career areas. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructors as Motivators

Donna, This is a tough subject to teach as you know since so many people have mental blocks in the math area. The more applications you can make the more value you will create for your students in the course and their career development. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Effective Motivation Techniques

Elizabeth, You are displaying the human factor in your approach. The human factor is essential if you are going to earn the respect of your students while starting to develop rapport with them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Valuing Student Opinions

Donna, Good suggestions for gaining the focus of students and getting them to see the value of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Student Rapport

Elizabeth, Right you are. Rapport starts to develop when there is two way respect and it builds from there. When rapport is present it is an exciting time to be an instructor. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Donna, Yes it does. Being lead by someone that is excited about his or her field is a wonderful situation to be in. You are bringing that message to your students and they are benefiting greatly from your leadership. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Elizabeth, Passion for one's field and enthusiasm for teaching about it sets the stage for learning success. You are bringing both each time you step into the classroom and I commend you for your dedication to your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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