Faculty Perceptions of the Teaching and Learning Center on Faculty Development: A Descriptive Study

摘要

This study was designed to obtain an increased understanding of faculty members’ perceptions of faculty-development activities offered by the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) at one location of a multicampus, regionally accredited, private, nonprofit university. This study was necessary to help with administrative and academic decisions regarding faculty development. The first of the four research questions addressed participants’ perceptions of the TLC’s professional development through workshops to prepare and assist faculty with teaching. The second research question addressed participants’ perceptions of their mentoring experience to support faculty members during their initial teaching assignments. The third and fourth research questions addressed the influence of experience and demographic factors on participants’ overall perceptions of activities offered by the TLC.Survey methodology was utilized to obtain quantitative data. Because the researcher designed the instrument, the questionnaire utilized was validated by a formative and a summative committee and pilot tested. The instrument included questions that were formatted and ordered to address each of the research questions. The first sequence of questions addressed the first research question and offered an opportunity for comments on the overall TLC experience. The second sequence of questions addressed the second research question and allowed an opportunity for comments on mentoring. The third sequence of questions addressed the third and fourth research questions.Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysis revealed that respondents’ perceptions of the TLC were positive; it adequately prepared them for initial teaching assignments at the university. However, respondents’ comments indicated the need for a variety of topics they would like to have presented at workshops. Participants’ perceptions of mentoring experiences were mixed; however, there was a general indication that there were problems with mentoring experiences and relationships that needed to be addressed. Analysis also indicated that demographic and experience factors had very little impact on respondents’ perceptions of the TLC workshops and mentoring.