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

Janis, Your last sentence really captures the essence of how the first impression sets the tone for the class. You are right about the students expecting a professional role model to be before them. We can never forget we are their learning leader and are helping to shape their career development. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using a Well-prepared Syllabus

Mariesol, It is the road map (GPS) for the course so it needs to be clear and concise just as you have indicated. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Reflective Thinking

Jennifer, You raise a good point about the need to stop, think, and then plan when it comes to critical thinking. Raising in one's mind options to solve a problem is as important as the actual solving of the problem because this process can reduces errors. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Jennifer, Scenarios, case studies and role playing are all great ways to help students to expand their understanding of how critical thinking will help them in their careers. I commend you for using these strategies because they are so valuable for your students. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Rosemary, Thank you for these comments about the need for developing skill in critical thinking in students. Your field is one of the classic examples of how important it is to be able to think critically and then problem solve. So the more you can expand their abilities in this area the better prepared they are going to be upon entering the field. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Olmarys, I agree and this is why I use them frequently in my classes. They help my students to see parts as well as the whole in sequential ways. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Olmarys, I do the same with my students. By having the baseline I am able to more accurately plan my instruction to meet the learning preferences of my current student group. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Corliss, Good point. We all need to see relevancy to what we are doing and students are no exceptions. By seeing relevancy they can start to see application of the content to their career development and it becomes a win win for them. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Adapting Your Instructional Strategy

Olmarys, Right you are because the more we know about them and their learning preferences the more accurately we can target our instruction to enhance their success. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Reinforcement as Motivation

Kay, Your example of a 50 year old student smiling upon receiving a sticker. We have to remember that adults are just taller children. We all like to receive some recognition as well as reward for doing something well. My students will work extremely hard for a piece of candy because the candy came as a result of being recognized. Keep motivating your students with your efforts and smiley faces. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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