ERIC Number: EJ1104388
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1059-308X
EISSN: N/A
Impact of Adopt-a-Classroom Partnerships between K-12 and University Faculty
Smith, Elizabeth; Kindall, Heather D.; Carter, Vinson; Beachner, Maggie
School Community Journal, v26 n1 p163-182 2016
There is often a disconnect between K-12 schools and postsecondary institutions. While this gap has grown consistently, the need for collaboration between systems is greater than ever. The Adopt-A-Classroom program was created to address the need for greater university faculty involvement in public schools by providing opportunities for collaboration between K-12 and higher education faculty. A qualitative research study was designed and conducted using an electronic survey. Both K-12 and university participant responses reflected an overall positive impact on students and teaching. Responses implied that K-12 teachers viewed this program as an opportunity to grow professionally, while university participants saw Adopt-A-Classroom as an opportunity to provide service to the community. In some cases, the K-12 teachers did gain a greater depth of content knowledge, which was one of the original goals of the program. Additionally, the program provided K-12 students with greater opportunities to learn about going to college and visit the college campus. University faculty also gained appreciation for the challenges of being a K-12 educator. Adopt-A-Classroom might be considered by other colleges and universities striving to develop deeper connections between their faculty from all academic backgrounds and nearby K-12 educators and their students.
Descriptors: Elementary School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, College Faculty, Partnerships in Education, College School Cooperation, Cooperation, Qualitative Research, Online Surveys, Program Effectiveness, Statistical Analysis
Academic Development Institute. 121 North Kickapoo Street, Lincoln, IL 62656. Tel: 1-800-759-1495; Web site: http://www.schoolcommunitynetwork.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Arkansas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A