A significant problem: 40% of students don't complete their degrees in six years. This stems from deep disparities in higher education that undermine student learning, belonging, and persistence.
A critical part of the solution: better college teaching.
Evidence confirms that student-centered teaching boosts success for every student. Despite the best efforts and care of faculty, universities don't consistently support and elevate this essential skill. When we fail to support teaching, we fail our students.
It's time to prioritize and elevate college teaching.
Our Vision
ABCT envisions a higher education system where every student experiences evidence-based teaching practices in every course.
In this vision:
- College teaching excellence is the norm and is grounded in research with proven effectiveness;
- Faculty are hired, mentored, rewarded, and supported for enacting evidence-based teaching in their institutions and in their disciplines;
- Graduate students are prepared to teach using evidence-based practices; and
- The future of higher education is more aligned with the evolving needs of students and society.
The Strategy
Connecting to College Student Success
Excellent teaching leads both directly and indirectly to student learning and success. ABCT is dedicated to designing a comprehensive strategy, connecting key components that elevate college teaching in meaningful ways for institutions, faculty careers and student experiences.
Our multi-stage approach begins with four projects:
Produce research briefs for higher education leaders, policy-makers and the public that connect teaching excellence to advancing student learning and success
Create a catalyzing coalition of lead organizations and leaders who will iteratively develop the strategy and translate it to the broader higher education ecosystem
Develop a Better College Teaching Network that will bring together diverse institutions to support, revise, and pilot the systemic redesign work moving forward
Measure teaching excellence by developing, testing and implementing approaches to evaluate teaching excellence for institutions and the public
Why the Alliance
A Catalyst for Elevating College Teaching at Scale
If you support transforming higher education by elevating college teaching to advance student learning and success, we invite you to join ABCT.
Whether you are part of the higher education or policy communities or a member of the public who wants to help champion our vision of advancing teaching excellence for all college students, find out ways to get involved.
Why Now?
We are building off of strong momentum in related initiatives.
Now is the time to bring our bold proposal for better college teaching to life.
Our Leadership Council
The Alliance for Better College Teaching Leadership Council unites higher education leaders and experts who are dedicated to student success through teaching excellence.