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

Mahnaz, Yes, that connection between our examples & the content, especially the more theoretical stuff, really helps students see that this does have a purpose/impact, etc. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Maintaining Eye Contact

Timothy, I think the key point here is the demonstration of caring. Obviously if you stare at the back wall, students will try to get away with bad behavior, but it's also showing them that you as the instructor don't care about their learning, so why should they? Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Working with Students with Learning Disabilities

Timothy, I completely agree with you. Until these students are ready to talk about their struggles & ask for help, there is not much we can really do. But the key is to make ourselves approachable & available so when they are ready they will come for help. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Challenges of Using Students Groups

Thomas, Great explanation & synopsis & I wholeheartedly agree with your final statement. Our job is to prepare our students for life & careers & generally that means working with those you don't know at least at first. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Maintaining Eye Contact

Laura, It is very true that in our western culture, eye contact is a great way to show our students that we care about them & are interested in what they have to say & in what they are learning. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Locating Yourself in the Classroom

Timothy, Very true & actually with my speech students I recommend that they don't even start this habit to begin with as it can develop into a hard to break habit. I suggest they find eyes to look into & often they realize that generally the responses back are open, welcoming & supportive. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Locating Yourself in the Classroom

Kelli, Yes, often that podium is our security blanket & we don't want to leave it or our notes, etc. The more prepared we are, the more confident we will feel to move away from the podium. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Improving Your Communication Skills

Shantel, Great question & one that many speakers struggle with. Here is a link to a website with some exercises: http://totalcommunicator.com/voice_article.html. The main key is to support your speaking by breathing from the diaphragm, rather than the lungs. This causes us to do a better job of sustaining the tone. Hope this helps. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Improving Your Communication Skills

Timothy, Notes are a great help & I agree with you on the larger print issue. This really does help as when we look down at our notes it's much easier to see where we are without having to pause & scan through the smaller font. Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Improving Your Communication Skills

Kelli, Just want to say here that I applaud your willingness to grow & learn in your teaching abilities & your willingness to take notes from students. Dr. Ryan Meers

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