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

Mike, Well put. As a rancher faced with many different situations both animal and mechanical I can appreciate your comments about the need for reflective thinking. It seems that frequently reflective thinking is required because I have never experienced such a situation before and am operating without any direct experience but with a little "think time" I can get the tractor running or cattle rounded up and solve my problem. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Defining Intelligence

Karen, Good example of how you can assist them in developing the tools needed to expand their critical thinking skills. They need to develop a personal inquiry method that will help them with their problem solving and critical thinking efforts. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Discipline in Critical Thinking

Mike, So true. Today's culture seems to overlook the value of self discipline. Learning is a long term effort that requires discipline and our students need to realize this. By providing them with diverse learning opportunities we are giving them the opportunities needed for learning success. It is up to them to have the discipline to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Critical Thinker Characteristics

Mike, You have given a very analysis of how critical thinking can be expanded and developed. Being competent from a technical standpoint is one thing but having the ability to think critically is another. We need to give them many opportunities to develop problem solving and critical thinking skills and let them grow in these areas. For some students as you know it comes naturally and for others it is a challenge. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

George, This is a double connection for students and as a result they should be able to see the value associated with the content being studied. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Using Graphic Organizers

Angie, I agree. They help to put the pieces together for students as they graphically can see what they are studying and how the parts complement to total. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Making Instruction Relevant

Alissa, Students really perk up when their instructor tells them a story that applies to the content that was just covered. They start to see a connection between their classes and their future in their chosen career area. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Michael, Great for you and your program. You get to reinforce to the students the content they have covered through the hands on activities. This greatly increases the retention of the content. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

George, Great idea on how to group students but in a way that is supportive to and for everyone. This helps to get the students engaged and focused from the beginning session throughout the course. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Gary Meers, Ed.D.

Discussion Comment

Teaching to Multiple Intelligences

Alissa, This is a valuable resource for you to have when doing your instructional planning. It is service that needs to be appreciated because you are being given an understanding of your incoming students that you don't have to develop yourself. Gary Gary Meers, Ed.D.

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