Miami University's Learning Community for PFF: Institutionalizing a Departmental Program

Authors

  • Cecilia Shore Miami University Author
  • Patrick Baker Miami University Author
  • Zachary Birchmeier Miami University Author
  • Stephen Dinkelacker Miami University Author
  • Andrea Han Miami University Author
  • Melissa Lee Miami University Author
  • Craig McClure Miami University Author
  • Janaki Rangarajan Miami University Author

Abstract

Miami University appears to be the first university to receive a departmental-level Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) grant and to have institutionalized the program "upward" to the university level. The authors describe the structure of Miami's PFF community and its complementarity with departmental programs in light of the PFF literature on the activities of university and departmental programs. The results reveal that (a) some benefits commonly attributed to PFF programs are evident very early in participation and (b) students in both departmental and university programs have noted deepened reflection on teaching, broadened conceptions of faculty life, and broadened awareness of differences among institutions. Students in the university program also recount broadened appreciation of disciplinary diversity, and students in the departmental program also report benefits from the depth of their involvement with a partner campus. Finally, the authors reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of university versus departmental PFF programs.

Published

2024-03-22