Evidence-Based Teaching, Faculty Mindset, Student Outcomes the Subject of New National Study

students working on computers

The Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) is embarking on a major new study that will examine the relationship between evidence-based teaching practices, faculty mindset and student outcomes in gateway courses. The research initiative is funded by a $1.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The study will build on existing evidence of the impact of evidence-based teaching on learning outcomes, explained Meghan Snow, chief data officer for ACUE, in a statement: "To date, our 18 studies have established an incontrovertible link between the evidence-based teaching of ACUE-credentialed faculty and improved grades, higher completion rates and closed equity gaps by race, ethnicity and socio-economic status. With this new study, we can investigate these relationships in gateway courses — which are so consequential in a student's academic career."

"Last summer, when the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation asked to learn more about ACUE's impact, we took them on a deep dive," added ACUE CEO Scott Durand. "It was our honor to share compelling findings that ACUE-credentialed faculty close equity gaps and measurably improve student outcomes. This major national study that we are thrilled to announce today was granted on that basis, to further explore the transformative impact faculty can have on student success when equipped with evidence-based teaching practices and digital tools."

Ten institutions across the country will participate in the study. Their goal: to provide a quality education for all students and reduce "barriers in gateway courses that perpetuate inequitable outcomes for Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Pell-eligible students," according to a news announcement. Those institutions are:

The study will begin in early 2022. It will involve more than 1,500 educators and impact 80,000-plus students nationwide. In addition, up to 700 faculty will have the opportunity to earn an ACUE credential in effective teaching practices. Preliminary findings are expected in 2023.

Featured

  • geometric pattern features abstract icons of a dollar sign, graduation cap, and document

    Maricopa Community Colleges Adopts Platform to Combat Student Application Fraud

    In an effort to secure its admissions and financial processes, Maricopa Community Colleges has partnered with A.M. Simpkins and Associates (AMSA) to implement the company's S.A.F.E (Student Application Fraudulent Examination) across the district's 10 institutions.

  • stylized figures, resumes, a graduation cap, and a laptop interconnected with geometric shapes

    OpenAI to Launch AI-Powered Jobs Platform

    OpenAI announced it will launch an AI-powered hiring platform by mid-2026, directly competing with LinkedIn and Indeed in the professional networking and recruitment space. The company announced the initiative alongside an expanded certification program designed to verify AI skills for job seekers.

  • Abstract AI circuit board pattern

    New Nonprofit to Work Toward Safer, Truthful AI

    Turing Award-winning AI researcher Yoshua Bengio has launched LawZero, a new nonprofit aimed at developing AI systems that prioritize safety and truthfulness over autonomy.

  • hooded figure types on a laptop, with abstract manifesto-like posters taped to the wall behind them

    Hacktivism Is a Growing Threat to Higher Education

    In recent years, colleges and universities have faced an evolving array of cybersecurity challenges. But one threat is showing signs of becoming both more frequent and more politically charged: hacktivism.