An Education Research Professional Learning Community for STEM Faculty

Initial Publication Date: May 2, 2016
Author Profile

Louis Nadelson, Utah State University

Selected as a Rapid Talk at the NSEC 2016 National Conference

Program Activities Type

Teaching Circles/Learning Communities

Program Components

Public Outreach
Institutional Systems:Evaluating Teaching
Outreach:Informal Education
Professional Development:Pedagogical Training
Professional Development:Student Assessment
Supporting Students:Academic Support
Supporting Students:Professional Preparation

Target Audience

Tenured/Tenure-track Faculty

Program Point of Intervention

Program Description

To address the need to increase STEM faculty member expertise in STEM education research, I developed a faculty community of practice (FCP) focused on increasing knowledge and experience in STEM education research. The STEM Education Research Scholars Group (SERSG) met every other week during the academic year to study and engage in education research. The participants applied to be part of the group (eight scholars per cohort), which was facilitated by an expert educational researcher, and committed to engage in both individual and group STEM education research projects. At the end of the fourth year, I conducted an exploratory study of the program outcomes and influences by surveying the 31 program alumni. From the 21 former scholars that participated in my study, I found that SERSG involvement had substantial impact on the participants' collaborations and perceptions of STEM education research. In the report, I detail my findings, discuss the results, explore some implications, and offer some possible directions for future research.

Program Purpose

The purpose of the program is to increase the knowledge and engagement of STEM faculty in education research. Whether for the scholarship of teaching and learning, or outreach projects, STEM faculty can benefit tremendously from developing foundational knowledge in education research.

The community of practice formed by the group allowed for the formation of collaborations and support for projects and resulted in high levels of success.

Program Goals

To address the need to increase STEM faculty member expertise in STEM education research.

Program Activities

I developed a faculty community of practice (FCP) focused on increasing knowledge and experience in STEM education research. The STEM Education Research Scholars Group (SERSG) met every other week during the academic year to study and engage in education research. The participants applied to be part of the group (eight scholars per cohort) which was facilitated by an expert educational researcher, and committed to engage in both individual and group STEM education research projects.

Open minds, commitment, curiosity, and collaboration.

Notes and Tips

Do: plan for more time, be patient, and work with those who are most interested

Don't: expect this is for all STEM faculty members

Evidence of Success

From the 21 former scholars that participated in my study, I found that SERSG involvement had substantial impact on the participants' collaborations and perceptions of STEM education research.

Future Work

Refine and adjust the form and function of the learning community

References and Accessory Materials

http://communique.uccs.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/CV_NadelsonL_03_2018.pdf



Nadelson, L. S. (2016). Developing educational research expertise in STEM faculty. Journal of STEM Education, 17(1), 44-51.