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The NGP Faculty Online Learning Community (FOLC) project has the goals of improved student outcomes in physical science courses for pre-service elementary teachers, through faculty development and course transformation, and contributing to the knowledge base on dissemination and educational transformation.
Considering starting a FOLC? Check out our FOLC Implementation Guide and supporting resources.
The NGP FOLC community of faculty is engaged in course transformation and continued professional development through the implementation of Next Gen PET and classroom research in the context of those courses. NGP FOLC consists of 50 faculty, structured in clusters that meet regularly via videoconference, communicate and collaborate using online tools, and meet in person at conferences and workshops. This community approach to faculty development and course transformation is an innovative alternative to typical dissemination approaches.
Recent publications
Martin, M.M., Goldberg, F., McKean, M. et al. Understanding how facilitators adapt to needs of STEM faculty in online learning communities: a case study. International Journal of STEM Education 9, 56 (2022). linkLau, A.C., Martin, M., Corrales, A., Turpen, C., Goldberg, F., & Price, E.
The Taxonomy of Opportunities to Learn (TxOTL): a tool for understanding the learning potential and substance of interactions in faculty (online) learning community meetings. International Journal of STEM Education 8, 45 (2021). link
Edward Price, Alexandra C. Lau, Fred Goldberg, Chandra Turpen, Sean Smith, Melissa Dancy, Steve Robinson.
Analyzing a faculty online learning community as a mechanism for supporting faculty implementation of a guided-inquiry curriculum.
International Journal of STEM Education 8, 17 (2021). link
Adriana Corrales, Fred Goldberg, Edward Price and Chandra Turpen.
Faculty persistence with research-based instructional strategies: a case study of participation in a faculty online learning community.
International Journal of STEM Education 7, 21 (2020). link