Critical Friends Groups and Their Role in the Redefinition of the Online EdD in Higher Education Administration at Texas Tech University

Abstract

The use of Critical Friends Groups (CFGs) is more common in the K-12 environment, and has “been shown to make valuable contributions to learning and school improvement in a range of contexts” (Swaffield, 2004, p. 268). There is limited discussion in the literature of the use of CFGs in the discipline of higher education or within higher education organizations themselves. The purpose of this chapter is to explore the use of CFGs in the reform efforts of redefining an online education doctorate (EdD) in the discipline of higher education at Texas Tech University (TTU). Of specific focus in this discussion is how CFGs have been and continue to be instrumental in the redefinition of the online EdD at TTU. The redefinition of the EdD in higher education at TTU utilizes the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) framework. CPED, in itself, serves as a CFG to all members of the project, who work together and discuss how to redefine and enhance the EdD. TTU’ s College of Education—higher education program—is a second wave member of CPED and is one of the few that is redefining its EdD in higher education, based on the CPED framework, within an online environment.