ERIC Number: ED630793
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 161
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-3635-1743-3
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: How Do Community College Faculty Experience Learning, Selecting, and Refining Their Teaching Methods?
Stepp, Sheila Marie
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Northeastern University
This study examined how tenured community college faculty learn, select, and refine teaching methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six tenured faculty at Hudson Valley Community College in New York. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretive phenomenological analysis to identify themes. Three major themes were identified: "The love of teaching," "Teaching requires being human," and "Change is VITAL." Two findings emerged: quality approaching, and academe disconnect. These findings were considered with respect to existing literature, Kegan's constructive development theory, and immunity to change. They confirm prior findings that tenured faculty are dedicated practitioners whose mental complexity and immunity to change derives from a desire to maintain expert status, to achieve teaching-learning goals effectively and comfortably, and to complete all their duties and responsibilities in a timely manner. The implications of this study affect three areas of higher education. First, administrative support: time to practice, acceptance of divergent practices, and review the tenure process while prioritizing quality teaching. This is followed by requesting that faculty developers design programs in which faculty are in community with one another. This would normalize human-centered teaching-learning practices and peer evaluations in a way that is systematized, progressive, and sustainable. Finally, the faculty are invited to be vulnerable, actively engage in critical self-reflection, and develop a growth mindset. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Phenomenology, Community Colleges, College Faculty, Teaching Methods, Tenure, Teacher Attitudes, Teacher Motivation, Educational Objectives, Goal Orientation, Teacher Responsibility, Reflective Teaching, Professional Autonomy
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A