A sense of community among learners is recognized as contributing to positive student outcomes. Synchronous learning opportunities may serve as one way to create a sense of community among online learners. Findings are shared from a mixed-method study that examined the impact of synchronous discussion sessions on students’ sense of community, as well as additional factors to consider when creating a sense of community. Cultivating trusting relationships by providing students with multiple opportunities for authentic, spontaneous, supportive discussion with people they know well emerged as central to fostering a sense of community. Implications for online learning in higher education and future research needs are discussed.

This study examines the inputs (processes and strategies) and outputs (perceptions, skill development, classroom transfer, disciplinary integration, social networking, and community development) of a yearlong, interdisciplinary teacher learning and development experience. Eleven secondary math and science teachers partnered with an interdisciplinary team of university engineering mentors in a yearlong engineering education and project implementation program. It consisted of a 6-week on-site resident professional development and collaboration experience, with an ongoing support and follow-up including digital systems. Mixed-method, multisource data indicate that teachers engaged with motivations combining personal, intrinsic interest and classroom integration goals. They formed and sustained an active community of learning and practice that supported their success, on-site and through classroom integration, thereby promoting innovations. Teachers reported positive perceptions throughout the program and demonstrated significant, productive trajectories of change-over-time. Teachers learned and transferred task-specific engineering and scientific skills, as well as more general inquiry-based pedagogical strategies to their secondary classrooms.

The purpose of this study is to examine organizational decision-making processes of problemsolving groups. This experimental design study utilized a case study method bounded by a fictional problem-solving scenario to illicit problem solving in groups. Fourteen undergraduate pre-service teachers were placed into six groups and given 45 minutes to create a collaborative solution to the problem-solving scenario. Data sources consisted of group observations and focus group interviews. Data were analyzed using an inductive thematic technique. Results indicated seven themes that illuminate the nature of the group's organization of cognitive processes and possible solutions. The results of this study may help understand how groups organize information, solutions, and cognitions in a complex group decision-making environment.

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