Faculty's Perceptions of Improvement Science and Networked Improvement Communities in Education Doctorate Programs

• In Event: Roundtable Session 42
  In Roundtable Session: Graduate Student Development and Engagement

Abstract

This year’s theme of hope and determination captures Dewey’s belief that research should contribute to improving education. Improvement Science is touted as a means to this because it deals with improving rather than solving complex problems. EdD programs associated with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate educate scholar practitioners and, because of this, can be the spaces where improvement work occurs.

This session will provide results from a feasibility study aimed at understanding the challenges and benefits faculty (N=22) believe they will face when teaching Improvement Science and forming Networked Improvement Communities. Data from a root cause analysis and charting activity indicate structural and human challenges, as well as benefits like partnerships and dissertations that are improvement-based.

Authors

• Debby M. Zambo, Carnegie Project on the Education Docorate

• Elizabeth M. Kean, California State University - Sacramento

• Jill Alexa Perry, University of Pittsburgh