Industry in the Classroom: Does Industry Experience Increase or Enhance Faculty Skills-Focused Instruction?

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

“21st century skills” are increasingly linked to college students’ academic and career success, and faculty with industry experience are hypothesized to be qualified to teach these skills. Yet this topic remains underexamined. This mixed methods study examines the degree to which and how industry experience influences STEMM faculty’s skills-focused instruction. Using inductive thematic and hierarchical linear modeling techniques to analyze survey and interview data, we find that faculty place relatively low emphasis on these skills, but that industry experience is significantly associated with teaching oral communication, teamwork, and problem- solving skills. Industry experience also informed problem-based learning activities, knowledge of desired workplace skills, and a focus on divergent thinking, suggesting policy implications focused on training in teaching and instructional design.

Authors

• Matthew T Hora, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Changhee Lee, Vanderbilt University