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Evaluating the Impact of ACUE-Certified Instructors on Student Learning

A recent independent study published in the Journal on Excellence in College Teaching shines a spotlight on the benefits of ACUE (Association of College and University Educators) certification for faculty. Conducted by a team from Sam Houston State University (SHSU), the comprehensive analysis of nearly 1,800 courses demonstrates a clear connection between ACUE-certified instructors and improved student performance. This research, conducted without ACUE's influence or funding, stands as the largest and most rigorous examination of the certification's impact to date.

Key Findings from the Study

The study's findings highlight several critical areas where ACUE-certified faculty outperformed their non-certified counterparts:

• - Higher Student Evaluations: Instructors who underwent ACUE certification received significantly enhanced scores in their end-of-term evaluations, translating to higher ratings as 'Excellent Teacher' and 'Excellent Course.'
• - Lower DFW Rates: Courses taught by certified instructors saw a 3.33 percentage point decline in DFW (Drop, Fail, Withdraw) rates. This is particularly significant given that high DFW rates are a barrier to student persistence and graduation.
• - Impact on Introductory Courses: The benefits of ACUE certification were most pronounced in entry-level courses where foundational learning is crucial. These courses experienced a 3.73 percentage point reduction in DFW rates, highlighting the importance of quality instruction in early academic experiences.

The study utilized advanced statistical methods, including propensity score matching, to control for various factors such as class size and instructor demographics. This rigorous approach ensures that the observed improvements can be attributed specifically to ACUE certification rather than other variables.

The Importance of Quality Teaching

Co-author of the study, Dr. Chase Young, noted that during course redesign meetings, instructors often hear that students are underprepared. "However, our research indicates that the primary variable we can control is the quality of teaching. Professional development tools like ACUE empower faculty to break down barriers that hinder student success."

The significance of this study cannot be overstated, especially in light of the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in achieving enrollment and retention goals. Dr. Benjamin Mitchell-Yellin, another key contributor to the research, emphasized the value of these findings for institutions seeking to enhance student outcomes: "We now have robust evidence that faculty taking part in ACUE professional development significantly advance their institutions' missions."

A Call to Action

The implications of this research are pertinent for higher education stakeholders. Institutions that prioritize investing in faculty development through programs like ACUE can expect to see measurable improvements in student success metrics, ultimately aligning with broader educational goals. As Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education, articulated, this type of rigorous, independent research reinforces the notion that accountability in higher education is critical to improving outcomes.

About ACUE and SHSU

The ACUE is committed to fostering student success through high-quality teaching practices and offers a nationally recognized Effective Teaching certification. In partnership with higher education institutions, ACUE aims to support educators in enhancing their instructional skills, ensuring that students benefit from exceptional learning experiences. Meanwhile, Sam Houston State University's Teaching Learning Center continues to lead innovative educational initiatives, promoting collaborative approaches to teaching and learning across disciplines.

For further information about ACUE and its offerings, visit ACUE's website.