Engineering a professional community of practice for graduate students in engineering education

This paper examines the development of a professional community of practice among graduate students and faculty in the nation´s first graduate program in engineering education. A cohort of eleven graduate students and four faculty were interviewed over the course of one year. Additional data sources included direct observations and review of supporting documents. Data were analyzed using grounded theory, narrative inquiry, and cross-case analysis. Results from this study: 1) provide a conceptual and structural framework for other engineering educators; 2) articulate common language, methods, and models for engineering education; and 3) offer practical solutions in developing, recruiting, and retaining talent in the field of engineering education