Evidence Based Teaching Track

This track was created for instructors at all levels who want to learn more about teaching pedagogy and develop their teaching philosophy.  The Evidence-Based Teaching track allows instructors to explore different theories of instruction and implement them in the learning environment. 

Why participate in the Evidence-based Teaching track?

Participating in ETE10 on the Evidence-Based Teaching track will fulfill the following objectives: 

What are instructors saying about the Evidence-based Teaching track?

I love the Evidence-Based Teaching track because even though I've been teaching for 15 years, this track introduces me to new approaches and theories related to pedagogy.

Amanda Dawson

The Evidence-Based Teaching track helps me engage with and implement research strategies to help my students better learn course material. As I participate, sometimes my teaching practices are affirmed, and I gain confidence. When problems arise in teaching, I can find solutions. For example, my students often read quickly over material and didn't absorb it, so I implemented contemplative reading practices, helping students connect in meaningful ways with the readings. With the Evidence-Based teaching track, I have a wealth of resources. I'm either engaging in a discussion about learning with my colleagues, listening to a knowledgeable expert, or reflecting on my own practices--all in an effort to cultivate my students' ability to learn.

Susan Andersen

 

Required badges for evidence-based teaching track

Ready to get started? 

1

Step up a "Plan Your Pathway" meeting with ETE

In your Plan Your Pathway (PYP) meeting, an ETE staff member will introduce you to the Empower Teaching Canvas course, where you earn your digital badges. They will discuss your specific personal and professional goals with you and suggest the best strategy for completing the Teaching Scholar Certificate in a timely manner. To set up your PYP, please send an email to empowerteaching@usu.edu indicating that you want to have a PYP.
2

Enroll in Empower Teaching Canvas Course

Empower Teaching is the Canvas course where you submit to earn badges necessary for the Teaching Scholar Certificate. To access Empower Teaching, you need to join the course by clicking here.
3

Participate in the required badges

There are five required badges for the Evidence-based Teaching track:
  1. Plan Teaching Excellence Pathway (Engage)
    Description: In the Plan Your Pathway (PYP) meeting, you meet one-on-one with an ETE staff member to answer your questions about ETE and the Teaching Scholar Certificate. During this meeting, you'll learn about ETE and the Evidence-Based Teaching track and discuss how ETE can best help you accomplish your personal and professional goals related to college teaching. 
    Time to complete: 1 hour
    When to register: You can set up a PYP meeting at any time, by emailing empowerteaching@usu.edu 
  2. ETE Conference - 1st (Engage)
    Description: Every year, ETE holds a conference where you can learn more about current scholarship and trends in teaching and learning. The ETE conference also provides a great opportunity for networking with other instructors. 
    Time to complete: 1 day 
    When to register: Registration usually opens in July for the conference, which is held every August. Check out the ETE Conference website for the most up-to-date information on when and how to register. 
  3. ETE Learning Circle - Evidence-Based Teaching (Engage)
    Description: Every semester, ETE runs a number of learning circles, where 8-12 instructors get together to discuss a book related to pedagogy or college teaching. Some learning circles are specifically designed for Evidence-Based Teaching track participants. You can expect to meet with your learning circle 4-5 times during the semester. 
    Time to complete: 1 semester (4-5 meetings)
    When to register: Registration usually opens 2-3 weeks before the start of each semester and the summer. Check out the learning cirlce website to find out what circles are coming up and to sign up. 
  4. ETE Sparkshop- Evidence-Based Teaching (Engage)
    Description: ETE Sparkshops are about 45-minute virtual events that are held 3-4 times a semester. Sparkshops can be requested by departments or by individual instructors to be presented to their instructors or can be requested by an instructor directly. The topics for Sparkshops vary as do their length.
    Time to complete:  1 hour
    When to register: There is usually one Evidence-Based sparkshop each semester. 
  5. Teaching Statement (Implement)
    Description: A Teaching Statement is a short analytical essay of your personal beliefs and values when it comes to education. This is normally a mixture of practical experience and evidence-based scholarly work. As an individual continues to teach, their teaching philosophy continues to change and expand.
    Time to complete: Depends
    When to register: You can turn in this assignment at any time throughout the year. For more information on teaching statements, click here.
To earn the Teaching Scholar Certificate, you must earn six engage-level badges, three implement-level badges, and one contribute-level badge. There are over 100 digital badges currently available through ETE. During your PYP meeting, you can talk about which additional badge might best fit your personal and professional goals. Feel free to email empowerteaching@usu.edu for guidance or advice about which badge might work best for you.
4

Submit badge assignment to Empower Taeching

After you have engaged in the content of a badge (for example, once you have attended the ETE conference), you should submit the badge assignment in Empower Teaching. To submit a badge, navigate to the "Submit a Badge" page in Empower Teaching and click on "Start Assignment" at the top right of the screen. To earn the badge, you will have to fulfill all the "Criteria" outlined for that badge. Reflection prompts for the Evidence-Based Teaching track can be found in each badge.
5

Track your progress in Pathways

After you submit a badge to Empower Teaching, an ETE staff member will read through your reflection and either award you the badge or ask for additional information. If additional information is needed, the ETE staff member will indicate what information to add in a submission comment and ask you to re-submit the assignment. Once you have been awarded the badge, you can track which badges you've earned and which badges you still need using the "Badges" tab in the Empower Teaching course.

Still have questions? 

Email us at empowerteaching@usu.edu