For example, in the initial week of activities, sessions on creative problem solving and project management, partnerships between two-year colleges and industry, and policy issues facing the 21 st century community college were led respectively by Jim Rowell of HRD Associates, Philip Smith of Calhoun Community College, and nationally recognized community college expert, Dr. Barbara Townsend. Dr. Townsend also conducted a session on the identification of skills needed by community college administrators. In a later session, a panel of Alabama community college presidents reflected on their leadership strategies and experiences. Panel participants were Drs. Harold Wade, Susan McBride, Ed Meadows, Linda Young and Larry McCoy.
Participants confront a real world problem faced by community college leaders throughout the nation.
The problem is complex and requires knowledge in numerous areas, which will broaden the knowledge base of these potential leaders. Participants are working in teams to develop viable solutions to the problem, which will require them to engage in problem solving and critical thinking and which will allow them to practice team skills. They will present their solutions, as they improve communication and presentation skills. As they learn in a real context, PBL helps leaders bridge the gap between theory and practice. Participants met the problem in the first session and will continue to work on it throughout the year as information is disclosed progressively.