Leveraging a Community of Practice Model to Accelerate Change

Abstract

The Community of Practice (CoP) at California State University, East Bay began with a handful of calculus instructors in 2017, and has grown to include nearly all instructors of STEM Pathway courses, from College Algebra through Calculus 1. We describe the evolution of this CoP and the role it plays as a space for departmental engagement in the uptake of new ideas around pedagogy and equity. Our model allows for using more in-depth common curricular elements or adapting the materials as a starting point. As engaged community members, instructors also provide emotional and creative support to each other. We discuss the factors that have contributed to cementing the CoP as an dependable, institutional structure, supporting the ongoing work of course coordination, responding to the needs of our students, and acting as a catalyst for change.