PLC FAQ

How does a PLC differ from usual professional development such as individual study, grants, conferences, summer institutes, workshops, retreats, and presentations?

A PLC is a group effort, whether chohort- or theme-based that occurs on EKU's campus. Its focus is usually on a general academic subject rather than a specific need (e.g., a course syllabus, the Library budget, departmental P&T revision) that has the potential to help the entire university with its end product. It is grounded in research and best practices and follows a syllabus/calendar. Recognizing its importance, it attempts to compensate the professionals who take part during its finite limit (usually a semester).

So what are the goals of a typical PLC?

A PLC attempts to accomplish many things:

1. Create a learning methodology
2. Build a community
3. Enhance pedagogical skills
4. Distribute the accumulated knowledge and skills with the campus community
5. Add to scholarly knowledge, especially the scholarship of teaching & Learning (SOTL)
6. Contribute to enhanced student learning
7. Promote the value of teaching and learning on campus

What role does the TLC play with PLCs?

The TLC would love to discuss PLCs with you. When you are a part of a TLC-sponsored PLC, you receive several benefits:

1. Pedagogical Consultation. We can help you to develop skills in leadership and facilitation, to determine your PLC's goals, and even to decide upon rich research topics.
2. Venue. The TLC controls the use of the Faculty Club (up to 30 people), and we can help you schedule your events.
3. Refreshments. Depending on our level of participation, we can pay for your food, order it, and set it up.
4. Texts. We can help you select texts, order them, and offer copying services for your materials.
5. Assessment. We have several evaluative instruments available to help you determine the value of faculty and staff participation as it relates to student learning.
6. Product. We can provide you with a background on SOTL, help you with research (we have an available G.A.), and even work with you to develop a presentation showcase/campus conference.
7. Marketing. We will help you advertise the PLC and perhaps publicize the public product.

If I decide to do a PLC with the TLC, what will be required of me?

Working through the TLC necessitates you:

1. Complete the TLC Application
2. Provide a set of measurable learning outcomes
3. Name and explain your scholarly source(s)
4. Delineate your scholarly product (e.g., publication, presentation, conference)
5. Create a budget
6. Assess your learning outcomes
7. Submit a final report

How many PLCs does the TLC support in some manner, and how expensive is it for one?

In some cases the TLC can fund your proposal, sometimes the TLC can co-sponsor a PLC, and occasionally we can help you locate funding (e.g., grant). The cost plays a role, and because of it the TLC funds one PLC per semester. However, the expenses for one break down this way:

1. Two facilitators at $1,000 stipend each
2. Ten participants at a $500 stipend each
3. Books, additional resources, food for $1,000
4. Thus, the cost is approximately $8,000/PLC

How do I go about creating a PLC?

Start by making an appointment with us at 2-6519 or sending an email to Charlie.Sweet@eku.edu or Hal.Blythe@eku.edu. We can also provide you with a typical application form and help you advertise for participants in your PLC.