ERIC Number: EJ1324069
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 50
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1050-8406
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Sociocultural Approach to Communication Instruction: How Insights from Communication Teaching Practices Can Inform Faculty Development Programs
Hora, Matthew T.; Benbow, Ross J.; Lee, Changhee
Journal of the Learning Sciences, v30 n4-5 p747-796 2021
Background Postsecondary institutions are expected to provide students with skills such as communication that are considered essential for success in school, work, and society. However, faculty are rarely trained to design courses that emphasize complex, cultural skills like communication, highlighting the need for professional development that adopts a sociocultural perspective on skills, teaching and faculty learning. Methods In this paper, we describe a mixed-methods study that aimed to document instructional practice based on decision-making interviews (n=25), classroom observations (n=20) and surveys (n=496) with faculty in two U.S. cities. Techniques used to analyze these data include inductive thematic analysis, social network analysis, and hierarchical linear modeling. Findings Results of the analysis include the identification of key elements of course planning -- faculty predispositions, perceived affordances, and instructional goals--which dynamically interact to inform teaching practices. Classroom observations revealed a range of methods from lecturing to classroom debates. Results also highlight three factors that led to teaching decisions: prior experience in industry which sensitized faculty to employer needs, social networks, and student skills. Contributions The data contribute to research on skills-focused instruction, and we conclude the paper with a description of a socioculturally informed faculty development program based on study findings.
Descriptors: Faculty Development, Communication Skills, Instructional Design, Teaching Methods, Decision Making, Teacher Attitudes, Social Networks, Network Analysis, Educational Objectives, Sociocultural Patterns, Program Descriptions, Teacher Surveys, College Faculty, Student Characteristics, Institutional Characteristics, Classroom Observation Techniques
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Grant or Contract Numbers: 1561686
Author Affiliations: N/A