Curriculum Innovation Communities
...are an adaptation of "Faculty Learning Community" and "Community of Inquiry" methodologies at Curry College. Based on over 20 years of research and practice, Curriculum Innovation Communities (CICs) provide a collegial context for cross-disciplinary faculty leadership and innovation on shared curricular challenges. CICs share the following characteristics:
- 6 to 10 Faculty participants from multiple disciplines, with a facilitator.
- Collegial and sustained (typically two semesters).
- Engaged in scholarly inquiry on shared curricular, teaching, and learning interests and questions.
- Dedicated to creating collective outcomes for the institution and higher education, such as:
- Teaching and learning pilots and results
- Curriculum models and recommendations
- Exemplar materials for dissemination and use in practice.
- Resulting in individual outcomes for the participants, such as:
- Redesigned courses, pedagogy, and teaching materials.
- Publications and conference presentations.
- Enhanced understanding of multidisciplinary perspectives.
- Opportunities for new peer connections, collaborations, and projects, both on campus and beyond.
Faculty Curriculum Fellows
Each Fellow facilitates a Curriculum Innovation Community, working with the group to develop, articulate and achieve outcomes; select and make available readings, guest speakers, and other resources; consult on projects and pilots planned by the members; and take the lead on coordinating group products.
Curriculum Innovation Communities are supported by the Faculty Center for Professional Development and Curriculum Innovation, with funding from the Davis Educational Foundation and the Academic Dean’s Office, including:
- Administrative support for logistics, meeting space, and materials.
- Funding for projects, pilots, and professional development for CIC members based on their group and individual work (e.g., conference registration/travel; time during semester, winter, or summer to develop and advance pilot projects and outcomes; alternative/pilot teaching arrangements; materials & support for curriculum innovations)…
- Time, training, and ongoing support for Curriculum Fellows to facilitate CICs