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

Motivating Learners

Joshua, Right you are in relation to helping students see the applications that can be made outside of the classroom or lab into the real world. This is what we should be about as we offer our instruction and content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Martin, This is such a good point. We cannot accept the answer "I can't solve this" because if we do we have given the student a future out when other problems are presented. They need to try and you are right they can fail but in failing they will have learned something and before long they will be solving problems they thought they couldn't solve and their confidence is going to soar! Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Luz, You make a good point about the need for well developed case studies. Just throwing together some information or situation without thinking about integrating problem solving challenges short changes the students in the area of problem solving skill development. We need to use case studies that uses all the elements of problem solving if they are to be of value to students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Analytical Skills

William, I use case studies in my classes a lot for the reasons you state. They let the students problem solve and then we can discuss how the case was handled in relation to the problem. This expands the skills of students in a short period of time as well as builds their confidence in being able to problem solve. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Intelligence

Mohan, Well defined. This is how your students will be measured for success once they are out in the workplace. Can they take a car in and diagnose the problem, solve the problem and get the car back to the owner in good shape? If so they are going to enjoy a good career. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Intelligence

Mary, This is the foundation for the saying "it isn't how smart you are but how you are smart". Being able to work through diverse situations and come up with solutions is what smart is about. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reasoning as a Resource

Mohan, Right you are. These actions are much like ingredients in a recipe. Each one adds to the flavor and success of the dish being prepared and that is the same for one's career. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Kent, Great list, thank you for sharing it with us. Success is based upon these eight elements and students need to see the list and understand what it takes to accomplish the list. You have seen it in the military and have the experience to share it with your current students. This is what will move them forward in their career development. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Mohan, Thank you for including the essential element of patience in your definition of critical thinkers. Many students want to rush to the solution when often results in the problem not being solved. Patience gives time to reflect and analyze options. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Jessica, Well developed definition and one that will enable individuals to approach problems from a number of different angles. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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