Adult Education And Faculty Development: Expanding The Reach In The Academy

Abstract

This evaluation study examines how faculty development courses on teaching and learning (OTLA) contribute to the “learning community” at a Midwestern University that promotes engagement “in the discovery of knowledge, the integration of learning experiences, and [faculty’s] applications through civic and professional leadership.” The study has three objectives: 1) Investigate how participation in the courses promotes collegial relationships across campus. 2) Understand the impact of the courses on faculty participants in establishing a collaborative culture around teaching. 3) Recognize the components of OTLA courses that contribute to the collaborative culture around teaching. Through this study, I seek to find ways that collaboration around teaching and learning occurs interdepartmentally at the university.