Provide faculty professional development in adult learning theory and pedagogy for career pathways instruction¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

Because many CTE programs hire industry experts who lack teaching experience, the panel recommends pedagogical training covering practical tips for generating syllabi, delivering instruction, and creating assessments, plus peer mentors and communities of practice. The panel believes "all faculty can benefit from pedagogical training that specifically addresses adult learning theory and pedagogies for effectively teaching adult learners, thereby enabling them to meet students' diverse learning needs." Faculty without advanced degrees can pursue workforce educator degree programs.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Additional funding and training to support faculty development, especially for faculty transitioning out of industry into teaching

Constraints¶

• Most studies supporting the guide targeted and served older students

Target Learners¶

• Adult community college students in career pathways

Target Learning Goals¶

• High-quality occupational and basic skills instruction

Related Strategies¶

• CEO Forum recommendations: prepare and certify teachers for technology integration across pre-service, licensure, and in-service career stages
• Integrate the community schools initiative with Linked Learning and CTE through joint planning, cofunded positions, and instructional-department placement
• Agile pedagogical strategies: interactive notebooks, bootcamps, and sustained educator professional learning
• Preparing preservice teachers to implement AI-powered personalized learning in special education through professional development in technical and pedagogical expertise

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Cotner, H., Bragg, D., Cheng, I., Costelloe, S., Freeman, B., Goold, G., Heiser, E., Lemire, S., Miller, D.G., Porowski, A., Van Noy, M., & Yadav, E. (2021). Designing and delivering career pathways at community colleges: A practice guide for educators (WWC 2021007). Washington, DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance (NCEE), Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/PracticeGuide/27