This research explores how faculty members' conceptions of assessment and confidence in assessment change as a result of an instructor training course. Based on a sample of 27 faculty members enrolled in a semester-long instructional development course, this survey-based study provides initial evidence that faculty members can develop confidence…

We offered four annual professional development workshops called STAR (for Scientific Teaching, Assessment, and Resources) modeled after the National Academies Summer Institute (SI) on Undergraduate Education in Biology. In contrast to the SI focus on training faculty from research universities, STAR's target was faculty from community colleges,…

ChemEd Bridges is an NSF-funded project that provides career and professional development opportunities for chemistry faculty members who teach at two-year colleges (2YCs). We broaden the interests and the horizons of these faculty members by building bridges between them and the broader community of chemical educators. In particular, we have…

Discusses a study of faculty development programs at 62 Texas community colleges and the means by and extent to which the programs were evaluated. Reveals that most programs were group-oriented, perceived as effective, and offered at higher rates than in the past. Suggests ways to improve evaluation criteria. (DMM)

Examines the implementation and processes of the Faculty-in-Training Program at Guilford Technical Community College. Recognizes the aspects of the program that have proved successful and identifies changes that have been made based upon what the authors' experience has taught them. (SG)

Based on a literature review and interviews with administrators at five California community colleges, this report examines staff development efforts undertaken to improve the productivity of classroom instruction. Chapter I reviews the literature on staff development, considering the following issues: increasing demands for educational…

Reviews research literature concerning the rates of participation in and the effectiveness of instructional development programs in community colleges. Considers methodologies and findings, and concludes that the most effective methods (e.g., microteaching, minigrants, consultants) respect teachers' desire to be experts in specialized disciplinary…

Presents the findings of a one-year follow-up of the participants in the Florida Master Teacher Seminars for Community College Faculty and the National Master Teacher Seminar, which focused on rational analysis of instructional problems and the development of action plans involving realistic, creative solutions. (AYC)

Evaluates Niagara County Community College's efforts to promote instructional improvement and thereby increase students' course completion rates, students' satisfaction with learning and outcomes, and teachers' professional skill levels. Reports effects on faculty motivation and other outcomes and discusses the use of interviews in the evaluation…

Describes Oakton Community College's Critical Literacy Project (CLP), which includes a faculty seminar on critical thinking and analytical reading/writing, all-college staff development programming, and a national conference. Considers faculty ownership, college support, an interdisciplinary focus, and intellectual rigor among the keys to CLP…

Defines the activities that distinguish successful faculty development programs and describes a survey completed in 1998 by faculty development officers at 130 randomly selected community colleges. The author profiles those responsible for faculty development, summarizes the extent that each development activity is used, and articulates the need…

Presents statistics reflecting community colleges' increasing reliance on part-time faculty. Underscores the need for staff development programs that address the specific requirements of part-timers. Discusses kinds of activities, needs assessment strategies, evaluation criteria for staff development, obstacles to adjunct development, and ways to…

Presents the results of a study of community college faculty development activities. Reports that the colleges examined relied on traditional approaches to faculty development and made minimal efforts at evaluation. Urges colleges to develop more focused faculty development programs that are proven to improve learning and teaching. (Contains 35…

The College Level Teaching Core offered at Valencia Community College (Florida) has been developed as a planned orientation and training program for college faculty. Offered twice per academic year during the early part of both the fall and spring semesters, the majority of College Level Teaching Core participants are members of the college's…

The British Isles Field Experience (BIFE) program was initiated at Williamsport Area Community College (WACC) to provide a group of WACC faculty and staff members with individual and group activities of a personal, professional, and cultural nature in order to promote an international perspective that can be infused into student, collegiate, and…