Join colleagues from across campus in exploring the 4 Connections – key practices that any instructor can easily implement to create engagement and community in their classroom.

Why learn about the 4 Connections? Students in classes where instructors use the 4 Connections to create rapport and engagement have an increased sense of belonging, higher in-class retention rates, and are enabled “to learn and to achieve their long-term goals” (Ames & Heilstedt, 2019). Instructors also find benefits in using these practices – both in face-to-face classes and online classes.

The 4 Connections encourage small changes that have the potential to make a big impact.  I would encourage any teacher to learn about the 4 Connections and to incorporate these practices in their instruction as appropriate.

Participating COD Faculty Member

4 Connections Faculty Learning Cohorts are now enrolling for the spring semester! Each of the four 4-week cohorts are online with weekly synchronous meetings (recorded for your convenience if you cannot attend). Register in Cornerstone

  • Cohort 1 – 2/5/24 – 3/3/24
  • Cohort 2 – 2/12/24 – 3/10/24
  • Cohort 3 – 2/19/24 – 3/17/24
  • Cohort 4 – 4/1/24 – 4/28/24

Full-time faculty can earn 4 PDH; Adjunct faculty can receive a stipend for participating.