STORIES OF SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT A COMMUNITY COLLEGE: AN APPRECIATIVE INQUIRY APROACH

This case study explores the types of professional development opportunities that are meaningful and relevant to community college faculty members and their motivations for participation. Drawing on existing literature, which seeks to solve a problem, this case study uses an appreciative inquiry approach to learn how members of one community college in North Carolina articulate their best and most positive experiences with professional development. Through this exploration of professional development, participants shared stories of their impactful and beneficial experiences. This study found that there are core elements needed for faculty to have meaningful and relevant professional development opportunities. Moreover, the study found that there are elements beyond the core such as culture that are essential for faculty to truly embrace professional development offerings. The study offers important implications for community college faculty, professional development leaders, and administrators; and provides insight for appreciating the best in people and community colleges.<p></p>