Promoting Scholarship and Faculty Development Through Faculty Learning Communities

Abstract

Faculty learning communities (FLCs), whether they are topic- or cohort-based, are a form of professional development that promote scholarship and collegiality among faculty members. This article describes how a number of FLCs were initiated in a faculty of nursing (FoN). Members who participated described the FLCs as scholarly, creative, and morale-enhancing. One of the most significant impacts in the topic-based FLCs was having members create a scholarly product such as articles, letters, theatrical performances, books, faculty modules, briefs, and paintings. For the cohort-based FLC, the product was preparing pre-tenure faculty for tenure. It is recommended FLCs be voluntary, include meals, ask members to commit to attending each session, and have expert facilitation. This article describes several examples of FLCs and best practices around development and facilitation for effective FLCs.