ERIC Number: EJ1162944
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017-Jun
Pages: 31
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1918-2902
EISSN: N/A
Graduate Student Perspectives of Interdisciplinary and Disciplinary Programming for Teaching Development
Bishop-Williams, Katherine E.; Roke, Kaitlin; Aspenlieder, Erin; Troop, Meagan
Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, v8 n3 Article 11 Jun 2017
Interdisciplinary (i.e., university-wide programming) and disciplinary (i.e., programming open to participants from one college or department) teaching development programs for graduate students have been used for many years in higher education. Currently, research on the benefits of these teaching models remains scant in terms of a contextualized understanding, and empirical studies are needed. The purpose of this study was to determine graduate students' perspectives related to interdisciplinary and disciplinary teaching and learning experiences. Two online surveys were used: a quantitative survey and a qualitative follow-up survey. Three participatory focus groups were also conducted to allow for further in-depth exploration in both an interdisciplinary and disciplinary group setting that represented seven distinct colleges. Statistical and thematic analyses were conducted with survey responses, and thematic analyses were conducted on focus group data. Similar themes emerged from the survey and focus group data identifying perceived benefits of participation in either interdisciplinary or disciplinary teaching development. Respondents' perceived benefits were related to: (a) becoming a better teacher; (b) social learning; and (c) that while the perceived benefits of the models vary, the outcomes of both experiences are shared. The lived experiences of these graduate students expand the characterization of interdisciplinary and disciplinary programming. This study points to the need for graduate student programs--specifically teaching development offered by educational development units--to provide both interdisciplinary and disciplinary teaching development opportunities that achieve a blend of benefits for learners.
Descriptors: Graduate Students, Student Attitudes, Interdisciplinary Approach, Online Surveys, Focus Groups, Statistical Analysis, Educational Benefits, Foreign Countries, Faculty Development, Qualitative Research
University of Western Ontario and Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Mills Memorial Library Room 504, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L6, Canada. Tel: 905-525-9140; e-mail: info@cjsotl-rcacea.ca; Web site: http://www.cjsotl-rcacea.ca/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A