Overcoming Barriers in Traditional Higher Education Partnerships

• In Event: 43.021 - From Barriers to Learning to Barriers for Learning

Abstract

In this study, we examined a multi-year school-university and national educational nonprofit partnership. Using an exploratory case study design, we found four key barriers that affected the efficiency of this partnership: (1) lack of connection between faculty and students, (2) difficult university bureaucracies, (3) competency-based learning not aligned between the university and schools, and (4) integration of technology in curriculum and instruction not negotiated in the partnership. These barriers were overcome through a leadership team that identified and directly addressed the barriers. In an era of engaged scholarship and research-practice partnerships between universities and other educational entities, this research provides critical findings for educational partnerships.

Authors

• Charity Embley, Texas Tech University

• Mellinee K. Lesley, Texas Tech University

• Joshua H. Barnett, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Tanee Hudgens, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

• Tala M Karkar Esperat