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

Challenges of Using Students Groups

Jae, Yes, I am a big fan of asking the students to grade one another in regard to group projects. I think this heightens the accountability & also I cannot be with each group the entire time, so they can be my eyes & ears. I have found that the vast majority of the time, the students are very honest in their feedback on their peers & generally grade pretty diligently. Ryan Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Locating Yourself in the Classroom

Jae, I think you make several great points in here. One that hasn't been brought as much, that you make, is the advantage of seeing the class from the students' perspective. As you said, this helps us know what challenges with arrangement, seating, etc there may be. This also might give us a better feel for those students who have learning challenges & where it may be best to seat them in the room. Ryan Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Identifying Important Communication Skills

Anna Marie, Yes, the more avenues for communication we can use, the better chance we have of reaching the variety of learners that are present in our classrooms. Ryan Dr. Ryan Meers

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Maximizing Retention Through Memory

Teresa, That's great & I'm glad you've found it helpful. It is amazing how much we know yet for whatever reason, often fail to do. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Growing Yourself as a Learning Facilitator

keelan, This is great as it helps demonstrate to your students that you are willing to try new methods & ideas. This prepares them well for the "real world" as they will be more willing to pursue new things. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Growing Yourself as a Learning Facilitator

Carter, That experience is truly vital. And congratulations to you that you are continuing to push yourself as an instructor by engaging in professional development, such as taking this class. As instructors we need to be up to date with our subject matter & with good instructional practice. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Strategies for Working with Students with Learning Needs

William, Great idea! We also need to keep in mind that while they don't understand English as well, they are still very intelligent & capable. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Positive Outcomes

Jeanie, I think you point out another great benefit of group work here: peer to peer learning. These smaller groups can be a great place for students to help one another & I have found that some students learn better from their peers than from me! Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Maintaining Eye Contact

Florita, I think you've captured the best reason (to me) for good eye contact. I agree that it really does help students feel recognized & welcomed in the class & it does help them to get involved. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

Identifying Important Communication Skills

William, You are right. And I would say one of the challenges in this area is conveying the fact that we are an expert, yet still portraying humility so we don't come across as a condescending know it all. Ryan

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