Data-Based Practices in Teaching Excellence

Empowering faculty to use data, reflection, and innovation to enhance learning for all students.

The Data-Based Practices in Teaching Excellence Initiative is a faculty development program designed to support continuous improvement in teaching through reflection, evidence-based decision-making, and peer collaboration. The initiative empowers faculty to examine their instructional practices, identify areas for growth, and implement meaningful changes that enhance student learning and success.

Recognizing that effective teaching is an ongoing process of inquiry and refinement, the initiative encourages faculty to use a variety of data sources—including student feedback, course outcomes, classroom observations, self-reflection, and scholarly teaching practices—to inform their instructional decisions. Participants select a teaching-related goal that aligns with their interests, disciplinary context, and students' needs, then develop and implement a plan for improvement. They receive badges to document the successful completion of these activities and acknowledge the competencies developed.

Badge: Data-Based Practices in Teaching Excellence

The Data-Based Practices in Teaching Excellence Badge recognizes faculty who engage in a systematic, evidence-informed process of improving their teaching. Through self-reflection, analysis of teaching and learning data, peer feedback, and intentional implementation of instructional strategies, participants identify opportunities to enhance student learning and success.

Faculty earning this badge examine their current teaching practices, select a specific area for growth, establish measurable goals, and implement changes designed to create more accessible, engaging, and transparent learning experiences. Throughout the process, participants use data and feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts and refine their approach to teaching. 

Badge earners demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and to fostering learning environments that support the success of all students.

Faculty who earn this badge will be able to:

1. Analyze evidence related to teaching and learning to identify opportunities for instructional improvement.
2. Use data-informed reflection to evaluate their teaching practices and establish meaningful professional development goals.
3. Incorporate evidence-based teaching strategies that enhance student engagement, learning, and academic success.
4. Apply principles of accessibility and inclusive teaching to support students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning needs.
5. Increase transparency in course design, communication, assignments, and assessment practices to help students better understand and navigate the learning process.
6. Solicit and incorporate peer feedback to strengthen instructional effectiveness and support professional growth.
7. Implement and assess a self-directed teaching improvement plan using measurable outcomes and reflective practice.
8. Evaluate the impact of instructional changes on student learning and engagement and identify strategies for ongoing improvement.