The Difficult Transition? Teaching, Research, Service: Examining the Preparedness of Communication Faculty Entering the Academe

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Toni Selena Whitfield
Corey Hickerson

Abstract

Abstract:  Using a survey of communication graduate students seeking academic employment, this study examined the categories and levels of preparedness of new professors/instructors as they enter academe.  Preparedness was examined in several ways--specifically knowledge about higher education requirements and their preparation for teaching, advising, and service in the field of communication.  In general, the future communication faculty reported that most had participated in teaching preparation activities.  Few reported participating or having access to preparation in other academic areas.  In hindsight, most respondents would have liked more preparation opportunities in all areas.  Even though they did not have extensive preparation in any area, except for teaching, most reported they were confident in their ability to perform the skills of a future faculty member.

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How to Cite
Whitfield, T. S., & Hickerson, C. (2012). The Difficult Transition? Teaching, Research, Service: Examining the Preparedness of Communication Faculty Entering the Academe. Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 13(1), 1–23. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.iu.edu/journals/index.php/josotl/article/view/2080
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Articles
Author Biographies

Toni Selena Whitfield, James Madison University

Toni S. Whitfield, (Ed.D. University of West Florida, 2000) is an Associate Professor and Assistant Director in the School of Communication Studies at James Madison University where she teaches courses in organizational communication. Her research is primarily in the area of higher education and experiential learning with a special emphasis on service-learning.

Corey Hickerson, James Madison University

School of Communication Studies

Associate Professor

Public Relations specialist

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