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ERIC Number: EJ1438097
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1066-8926
EISSN: EISSN-1521-0413
"It's a Long Way from Here": Mapping Rural-Serving Community College Educators' Work across Landscapes of Practice
Rosemary McBride; Reshmi Singh; Rachel Watson
Community College Journal of Research and Practice, v48 n9 p590-605 2024
Rural-serving community colleges (RSCCs) play vital roles in their communities yet often struggle to facilitate student transfer to further education, especially in STEM fields. This mixed methods study explored how rural STEM educators leverage relationships to support transfer. Social network analysis of focus groups with 36 educators at five rural colleges revealed interconnected webs of statewide ties. Network maps illuminated diverse connections bridged to expand possibilities, though each college manifested unique relational patterns. The structural analysis identified dynamics like strained administration ties and program silos contributing to isolation. Highly networked "systems conveners" modeled boundary-crossing, forming expansive links to resources. These findings align with social learning and ecological systems frameworks situating learning within complex environments. Fostering inclusive educator networks through targeted funding, communication, consortiums, and spotlighting systems thinkers may strengthen ties and mitigate barriers. This study directs nurturing networked ecosystems to empower equity in rural STEM education.
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; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A