Faculty develop evidence-based techniques to promote student success

San Bernardino, Calif. – This coming winter quarter, Cal State San Bernardino will launch a partnership with the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) to equip faculty with the instructional skills shown to promote student motivation, learning and persistence.

The CSUSB Teaching Resource Center, in conjunction with ACUE, will offer its online Course in Effective Teaching Practices to up to 30 CSUSB lecture faculty (full- and part-time) teaching large classes starting Jan. 3 and going through the spring quarter 2019, said TRC Director Jo Anna Grant.

Faculty who satisfy the program requirements, which complements the university’s ongoing faculty development, are awarded a nationally recognized Certificate in Effective College Instruction that is co-endorsed by ACUE and the American Council on Education (ACE), Grant said.

“The ACUE course uses an evidence-based framework, offered online, to support and grow expertise in teaching practice. The 25-module course prepares college instructors to use research-based techniques demonstrated to help students succeed,” Grant said. “Our goal is to help and encourage our faculty to use proven teaching methods and cutting-edge techniques to help our students succeed.”

ACUE will kick off the program with a 3-hour in-person course launch on Jan. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon, during which participants will begin working on the first module. The course will go through the spring quarter, with course takers completing approximately one online module each week.

ACUE’s courses in effective teaching practices are based on more than three decades of research that shows effective teaching improves learning for all students. Long-time CSUSB lecturer from communication studies, and winner of the 2017 College of Arts and Letters’ Outstanding Lecturer Award, Donna Gotch, will lead the faculty cohort in 25 learning modules throughout the winter quarter and mentor them in using new skills in their classes.

“We are delighted to be working with the Association of College and University Educators to help our faculty become better instructors, which ultimately will help our students succeed not only in the classroom, but after graduation as they become our future leaders in society,” said CSUSB Provost Shari McMahan.

Aligned with the latest research in cognition and adult learning, ACUE’s courses address more than 200 evidence-based teaching practices, covering how to design an effective course; establish a productive learning environment; use active learning techniques; promote higher-order thinking; and utilize assessments to inform instruction and promote learning.

ACUE’s Community of Professional Practice provides continued support for educators to grow in the scholarship of teaching through member forums, expert webinars, weekly newsletters, the ‘Q’ blog, and “office hours” with leading scholars in college instruction.

About ACUE
The Association of College and University Educators believes that all college students deserve an extraordinary education and that faculty members play a critical role in their success. In partnership with institutions of higher education nationwide, ACUE supports and credentials faculty members in the use of evidence-based teaching practices that drive student engagement, retention and learning. Faculty members who complete ACUE courses earn certificates in effective college instruction endorsed by the American Council on Education. ACUE’s Community of Professional Practice connects college educators from across the country through member forums, podcasts and updates on the latest developments in the scholarship of teaching and learning. To learn more, visit acue.org.

About Cal State San Bernardino

California State University, San Bernardino is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in Inland Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, the university serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually. The university offers more than 70 traditional baccalaureate and master’s degree programs, education credential and certificate programs, and a doctorate program in educational leadership. Every one of its academic programs that is eligible has earned national accreditation. CSUSB reflects the dynamic diversity of the region and has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire. More than 80 percent of those who graduate are the first in their families to do so.