Developing a Network of Support for Part-Time Faculty at the Community College Level: Literature Review

Developing a Network of Support for Part-Time Faculty at the Community College Level

Julie M. Lyon

Lamar University

 

Abstract/Introduction

As the face of higher education changes to meet the demands of learners, the workforce of educators is shifting to one that is largely comprised of part-time faculty members. These part-time faculty members bring a wealth of experience to the classrooms, but may not have any training or experience in education, and many lack the pedagogical/andragogical background to ensure the success of their learners. They also may lack a solid understanding of the technologies that are available to them. And often they lack opportunities for acculturation into the community college environment.

To ensure the success of learners, institutions of higher education need to make an investment in their educators, including those who work part-time and those who work remotely from a distance. These valuable contributors toward the goals of the learners and the institution must be given an opportunity to participate in and to contribute to the processes of their departments, and must be provided with opportunities for support and for growth. Through research and collaboration, a comprehensive plan of support and development will be created and implemented, with a focus on the support and development of part-time faculty.

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Why Blog About It?

Through this learning process, and as part of the DLL program, we are encouraged to blog. But why is blogging important for educators? Clearly we blog to share our knowledge and experiences. We blog to contribute to a network of resources from which other educators may benefit. But additionally, according to a blog post by Shelly Blake-Plock (2009), blogging, like the ePortfolio, helps the learner reflect on their growth and their situation. As educators, we reflect on our situations, we are able to see how we think. According to Blake-Plock, “to blog is to teach yourself what you think.”