I'm not alone : first year course leaders helped through communities of practice

![CDATA[This paper reports on a two-year pilot project aimed at facilitating the professional development of teachers of first year courses in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), as an initiative of the Learning and Teaching Support Unit (LTSU). The project involved establishing a community of practice (CoP) to improve the quality of first year teaching in the Faculty and, consequently, students’ learning outcomes. The pilot study found that the community has significantly contributed to the professional development of participating staff, fostering a transformative learning approach for these teachers, an approach consistent with the universities commitment to promote lifelong learning at all levels (USQ, 2007). By participating in the community members were able to reflect on their existing practices and co-construct initiatives to enhance the learning experiences of their students. It also assisted staff to address and develop strategies to meet the individual, institutional and societal demands currently impacting on their teaching. Using an action research approach, the project evaluated the impact of this form of professional development as well as coordinating a range of innovative curriculum strategies. The dynamic nature of this project conforms to the university’s charter to establish innovative ways of supporting the learning and teaching (L&T) program. By researching this transformative process this project has demonstrated new ways of understanding the complex issues faced by teachers. This understanding will, potentially, have a significant impact on the ways the University supports both its staff and students in the future.]]