Don't Wait...Collaborate!

Alli Schilling, Grand Canyon University
Marnie C. Davis, Grand Canyon University
Lisa A. Duryee, Grand Canyon University
Helen Hammond, Grand Canyon University

Abstract

Collaboration is encouraged in workplaces, but there are often barriers to working together to meet organizational goals. In higher education, faculty have obligations to students, leadership, and other departments that may hinder collaboration between their peers. This article discusses how four full-time faculty members at a large Christian university in the Southwest United States overcame time constraints and organizational structure to build a collaborative working environment across several departments. With student success in mind, the faculty members focused on collaboration to improve course curriculum, build relationships with other departments and colleges, increase the use of technology tools in their classrooms, and complete academic research. While there were challenges, leadership support and positive student experiences encouraged faculty members to push on. Although collaboration does require flexibility and creativity that may be new to faculty members that are used to working individually, the benefits can be astounding. 

 Keywords: Classroom assessment techniques (CATS), classroom technology, classroom technology tools, collaboration, course content, full-time faculty, higher education, feedback, group development, leadership, online faculty, online learning, scholarship of teaching and learning, technology.

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