Examining Sustainability of Faculty Learning Communities

• In Event: Faculty Learning Communities: Exploring, Sustaining, and Understanding Faculty Experiences

Abstract

Substantial effort has been devoted to studying faculty learning communities (FLCs). However, despite rich knowledge about the organization, functioning, and outcomes of FLCs, there is limited research about FLC sustainability. In this study, we developed a framework for FLC sustainability, within which we identified and analyzed factors that influence FLC sustainability. All factors were classified within the four dimensions of the framework: components of sustainable group functioning, factor level, factor direction, and factor nature. The interview data from 21 FLC participants were used in the analysis. We hypothesize that the identified factors as well as the framework itself will be useful for future FLC organizers and researchers.

Authors

• Daria Gerasimova, George Mason University

• Margret A. Hjalmarson, George Mason University

• Jill K. Nelson, George Mason University