The Case for Centers for Teaching and Learning (opinion)

"This is a striking decision at a moment when public confidence in higher education is eroding. It is also puzzling because rigorous research and evaluation have demonstrated, over and over, the value of the work of centers for teaching and learning, including positive impacts on student learning outcomes, institutional effectiveness and faculty development."

"Over the past decade, the number of CTLs has grown, and today, the majority of students study at a higher education institution with a center. Why have so many universities strategically chosen to invest in this essential infrastructure? My research-and that of many others in the field-highlights the important role that CTLs play on college and university campuses."

"These roles include supporting graduate student teaching, faculty retention, student success and organizational strategy. First, at research universities, CTLs play important roles helping graduate students learn to teach, often providing mentoring, follow-up and professional development."

The University of Texas at Austin's closure of its Center for Teaching and Learning places it among only 6 percent of high-research-activity doctoral universities without such a center. This decision contradicts extensive research demonstrating the value of CTLs in improving student learning outcomes, institutional effectiveness, and faculty development. Over the past decade, CTL numbers have grown significantly, with most students now attending institutions with a center. Research shows CTLs support graduate student teaching, faculty retention, student success, and organizational strategy. The closure is particularly puzzling given public confidence in higher education is eroding and universities have strategically invested in these centers as essential infrastructure.

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