Dr. Ryan Meers

About me

I have a passion for education and especially for ensuring that all of us continue to apply what we have learned. I am excited about the opportunity that the Lounge provides for all of us to discuss how we are applying what we have learned & to share those great ideas.

I have had a varied background from secondary education to corporate training & now working in the career college sector. But while I have moved in different circles it has always been surrounding my passion of education. I look forward to our conversations.

Website

http://www.maxknowledge.com/faculty.php?id=11172

Activity

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Using Memorable Examples

Neidra, thank you for sharing your learning & what you discovered. I'm going to take a look at this website myself. Another thing I like to do regarding activities is to start a lecture covering a new topic with an activity. Often this creates an "imbalance" in the students & they are then more open to new ideas/learning. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Using Memorable Examples

Jennifer, great example! I always state that I'm trying to give them pegs on which they can hang the concepts & theories of the course. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Maintaining Eye Contact

Brenda, I too have found that looking into students' eyes helps me to see if they are "getting it" or not & this helps to redirect as you said. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Locating Yourself in the Classroom

Theresa , I agree with you. Moving around helps to make ourselves available to our students. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Locating Yourself in the Classroom

Kristina , well put! I think it really helps illustrate to our students that there is no "back" of the classroom, but we're all involved as you point out. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Locating Yourself in the Classroom

Sara, all of your points are well made & I especially like your third. Movement does help students to know that we are approachable & available, not just the "lecturer" at the front. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Improving Your Communication Skills

Dallan, it is important to reach all of our students & to ensure that they are engaged with the material. I also understand that it can be frustrating when you're the only one talking. One word of caution is that some personalities do not wish to speak in front of a group & so that does need to be handled with care. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Improving Your Communication Skills

Shirley, Wow, definitely a challenging situation when you have that many students. One suggestion would be to conduct discussions in pairs or triads & put a 3 minute limit on them. Give them a thought-provoking question & let them briefly discuss. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Improving Your Communication Skills

Naveed, this is definitely a struggle & challenge. A couple of things might be to include these students in the presentation of the lecture. Often they are disruptive because they are bored. Another option is to approach them privately & explain that their behavior is distracting to other students & ask them to control themselves better. Best wishes. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Improving Your Communication Skills

Thomas, this is a challenge that I believe many in similar fields face. There are a variety of retention methods that are out there, not sure if any of these would work in your situation, but might be worth exploring. Dr. Ryan Meers

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