ED108 - Learning Theory and Practice

Facilitator: Dr. Gary Meers

This course covers the different ways individuals learn and apply new knowledge. We start by covering the steps the brain goes through as it process new information, and how knowledge is stored and retrieved. We then discuss how intelligence is measured and how learners process information through the use of multiple intelligences. Moving from theory to practice, the course shows instructors how to use the learning needs of students to increase knowledge acquisition and retention. The course includes a number of easy to implement strategies to help students retain and use new content.

This course is not currently available.

This course is not currently available.

Facilitator Bios


Dr. Gary Meers

Dr. Meers is the Vice President of Education at MaxKnowledge, providing leadership for the development and delivery of our training programs for career college instructors. His extensive background in career education includes research, consulting and training in the areas of instructor performance, curriculum development, classroom management, student motivation, learning and assessment. He has authored over 100 articles and conducted over 500 workshops on instructional improvement and professional development. Dr. Meers earned his Ed.D. from the University of Missouri with an emphasis on Vocational Education, Adult and Higher Education, and Instructional Media.

Dr. Meers started his educational career as a vocational instructor, progressing to become a professor of education and human sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Meers has served as the president of the Association for Career and Technical Education, and as a commissioner of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. He has also chaired the Employment Preparation Committee of the President's Committee for the Employment of People with Disabilities.

Course Format


Course Structure

  • Can Start Anytime
  • Modular Structure (with online content, quizzes and forums)
  • Self-paced (within course enrollment timeframe)
  • Faculty Support (facilitator/coach)

Course Length

  • 4 Modules
  • 4 Hours of Learning Activities (about 1 hour per module)
  • 4 Weeks to Complete the Course (1 module/week)
  • Can Finish Faster

Completion Requirements

  • Study All Modules
  • Pass Module Quizzes (computer-scored with feedback)
  • Participate in Module Discussions
  • Pass Final Quiz (computer-scored, 70% required, one attempt)
  • Complete Online Course Survey

Course Outline


Module 1: The Learning Process

  • How Learning Works
  • The Storage Facility (Brain)
  • Brain Development
  • Using Deletion, Distortion and Generalization Filters
  • Memory Areas
  • Concrete and Abstract Thinking

Module 2: Understanding Multiple Intelligences

  • Intelligence and Instruction
  • Defining Intelligence
  • Pruning
  • Learning Preferences
  • Multiple Intelligences
  • How Do I Use Multiple Intelligences?

Module 3: Using Student Needs as Learning Tools

  • Learner Needs and Expectations
  • Learner Autonomy
  • Pretesting for Knowledge
  • Making Immediate Application
  • Making Course Content Relevant
  • Using Review as an Effective Learning Tool

Module 4: Helping Students Retain Course Content

  • The Decoding Process
  • Recoding
  • Learning Scaffolds
  • Learning Scaffold Strategies
  • Recoding Strategies
  • Graphic Organizers
  • Mnemonics
  • Giving Student Support to Help Mental Processing

Certificate/CEUs


Completion of this Course:

  • Certificate of Completion
  • 4 Hours of Continuing Education

Completion of Three Courses:

  • Certificate of Knowledge in Career College Teaching
  • Eligible for MaxPrize*

*MaxKnowledge conducts an annual prize drawing to sponsor a Certificate of Knowledge holder to attend CCA's Annual Convention. U.S. residents are automatically entered in the drawing.

How to Enroll

  1. Buy Enrollment Keys

  2. Enter an enrollment key in the field above.

  3. Click "Enroll".