Beyond a "Lack of Resources": Exploring Patterns in Faculty Teaching Practices and Organizational Climate

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: The Role of Departments and Governance in Teaching and Curriculum

Abstract

Despite calls for change, adoption of evidence-based instructional practices is not widespread among faculty. One underlying reason for this issue is the complex environment in which faculty operate. The purpose of this project was to examine how elements of organizational climate (leadership, collegiality, resources, respect, and organizational support) intersect with teaching practices. We conducted k-means cluster analysis to generate unique ‘profiles’ based on patterns in teaching practice and organizational climate survey data from 703 individuals at 6 institutions of higher education. We then explored significant demographic differences across each teaching-climate profile. We expect our session to be of interest to others seeking to understand the nature of faculty teaching practices and the organizational barriers and catalysts of those practices.

Authors

• Emily Marie Walter, California State University - Fresno

• Ivan Ceballos Madrigal, California State University - Fresno

• Andrea L. Beach, Western Michigan University

• Charles R. Henderson, Western Michigan University