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

Using Reflective Thinking

Elizabeth, Well put as the medical field is one requiring critical thinking and problem solving expertise. The more reflective thinking that can be done in relation to working toward a solution the more accurately the solution will be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Rhodri, Thank you for sharing this student example with us. I know it will benefit many instructors as you have given a step by step procedure to work through to help a student that was probable going to fail in the field to become successful. You gave him a strategy to follow so he could and would include all of the needed steps as he provided patient care. I live success stories and this is one of them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Rhodri, I like your last sentence because I really enjoy teaching these students as well. I can see how they take their thinking to the next level and are seeking to work through challenges that will help them to be critical thinkers and successful in their careers. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

The Human Factor in Retention

Jeanne, Well said. The human factor is one of the rewards we receive as instructors. I greatly enjoy the interaction I have with my students and how I can help them to move toward their career goals. As a result I look forward to coming to class and sharing with my students. This is not to say that some classes are challenging and I have to work hard to maintain my enthusiasm when a class session doesn't go as I would have liked it to. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Instructor Enthusiasm

Terie, Your course sounds like a fun one to be a student in. Yes, enthusiasm and excitement must be present for each and every class. We instructors are in a form of edutainment. We not only inform but also engage our students each time the class meets. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Re: Effective Retention Strategies

Barbara, I use a lot of guest speakers in my courses for the reasons you mention. They help my students to see their future because the successful graduates I bring in are using the course content and living the career they chose. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Jon (Jack), Right you are about the first impression needing to be a good one. The forms the foundation upon which the rest of the course is going to build. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Keeping Students Engaged in Learning

Tijuonia, This is a balanced approach to instruction. You are giving a variety of learning options to your students and they can then work in their preferred preference and stay engaged for the duration of the class. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Preparing and Delivering Effective Lectures

Krystal, Good strategy. You are gaining so much insight into how your students prefer to learn with this assessment. This information let you customize your instructional delivery to meet the learning preferences of your current students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Krystal, So true. When this happens then it becomes an endurance contest to see if the students can suffer through the remainder of the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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