In the realm of higher education, the effectiveness of teaching and learning plays a pivotal role in shaping a student’s academic journey. However, institutions often face challenges in providing professors with the necessary training, support, and resources to implement best practices in their classrooms. Addressing this gap is essential for fostering an environment conducive to student achievement.
At the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, a new initiative has emerged to bridge this gap. Lynn Meade, a seasoned communications professor, has spearheaded the establishment of a collaborative Faculty Learning Community aimed at enhancing student learning outcomes. This innovative program brings together educators from various disciplines to share insights and strategies that promote student success.
The Faculty Learning Community, which commenced this summer, is designed to foster collaboration among faculty and staff across the university. Meade emphasizes the importance of working collectively towards the common goal of improving student outcomes.
Understanding the Need: With two decades of experience at the University of Arkansas, Meade recognized a significant disconnect between faculty and the extensive support resources available to students. In 2023, she attended an event focused on high-impact educational practices, where she was introduced to numerous student support teams and initiatives that she had previously been unaware of.
“Sitting at a table with various student success professionals opened my eyes to the multitude of resources available that students could benefit from,” Meade reflected. This realization motivated her to engage more deeply with support staff and create opportunities for faculty to learn from one another.
“It’s crucial for faculty to understand the student success initiatives in place,” Meade stated. “Building relationships and fostering communication among faculty and support staff is vital for our students’ success.”
Research indicates that students are more inclined to approach a trusted faculty member for assistance rather than seeking help from campus support offices. Meade believes that equipping professors with the knowledge of how to effectively integrate available resources into their teaching is essential.
The outcome of these efforts is the Fulbright Faculty Learning Community, a dynamic program focused on faculty development and collaboration, which Meade now leads as its director.
Program Structure: The initiative kicked off with four key offerings for faculty members: a workshop on course design, a class aimed at refreshing course content, forums for exchanging innovative teaching practices, and introductions to student success teams.
One of Meade’s primary objectives is to consolidate existing efforts on campus, creating a centralized hub for faculty to access valuable resources. “There are numerous fantastic resources available, but they often exist in silos,” she noted.
The inaugural event of the Fulbright Learning Community engaged 14 faculty members in a three-hour workshop focused on course design, emphasizing the importance of placing students at the center of the learning experience. “If our audience is students and our goal is to educate them, we should prioritize their learning needs over merely covering our material,” Meade advised.
A recent survey conducted by a reputable educational organization revealed that 40 percent of students believe their academic performance would improve if professors connected classroom learning to real-world issues and career aspirations.
Many new professors may have limited teaching experience or rely heavily on materials provided by others. Additionally, those who have taught internationally may require guidance in adapting their content for American students.
The learning community also collaborates with career center professionals to demonstrate how to incorporate career competencies into course syllabi and integrate relevant resources into learning management systems, addressing students’ career development needs. Future sessions will explore how faculty are utilizing generative AI tools in their teaching.
“The success of faculty directly correlates with student success,” Meade emphasized. “Faculty members are often the first line of support for students, and our collaborative efforts can significantly impact student retention and achievement.”
We invite you to share any unique features or innovative aspects of your student success programs.