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

Making a Positive First Impression

Tijuonia, A warm greeting and smile really helps to set the tone for the upcoming class. By sharing the objectives for the course then the students feel comfortable with the class and you as the learning leader. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making a Positive First Impression

Pam, It is a building process from there because it is the foundation for the development of two way respect. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Jon (Jack), Yes, they do because if they don't then they won't associate value to the content that is being shared. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Clear Goals and Objectives

Jose, Thank you for making this point because it is a good reminder for all instructor but especially those just beginning. There must be clear goals and objectives to guide the students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Your Instructional Style

Jon (Jack), Good point and one that we instructors need to remember and reflect on. Who were those instructors that most influenced us and why did they? By answering that question you can start to see how their instructional style impacted you and then can use those parts that fit your personality. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Supporting Problem Solving Skills

Ariana, This is what I like to do in my classes as well. My students love doing the role plays and the case studies we work through get them using their problem solving skills at a level that they normally would not be asked to do. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

Jayne, You are helping your students to think beyond just the skill aspect of their chosen profession. You are asking them to think about the human behind the draw and what are the implications of the testing that will be done on the blood. This is such an important holistic approach. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Elizabeth, Thank you for these comments as they really reflect the value that students need to associate with their ability to "read" a situation and then move toward a solution. Skill in this area is what shapes many careers in the medical field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Elizabeth, Great question and I'm not sure if I can answer it or not. In helping them to understand at which speed they should use their critical thinking skills I would use as many case studies as I could. The more examples they can have presented and work through the more accurately they will be able to identify at which speed they should respond to an emergency. This is by no means an exact science because some people are not able to catch on how to determine speed as well as solutions. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Andrew, Like the approach you are using because you are providing a real service to your students by showing them how they need to perform if they are going to be successful in the work world. They need to see the connection between what they have been studying and what they will be applying when they are out in the workforce. The more we can help along these lines the easier the transition will be. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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