Even though faculty are one of the most important components of a successful learning community, little research discusses the experiences and motivational factors that influence faculty to participate actively in learning community programs. This study at Ball State University helped researchers to understand these factors so that they could alter the learning community environment to make it more favorable for faculty participation. Qualitative research methodology resulted in data being gathered via interviews with faculty members who were identified as active participants in the Freshman Connections program during the fall 2002 semester. An interview guide was revised from a study conducted by Golde and Pribbenow (2000). Data were collected in April 2003. The researcher analyzed the data by identifying thematic connections among the data according to guidelines presented by Seidman (1998).
Master's Theses [5589] Master's theses submitted to the Graduate School by Ball State University master's degree candidates in partial fulfillment of degree requirements.