The Grove Center hosts a unique opportunity each year for Eberly College of Science instructors to share evidence-based teaching methods with their colleagues. The Evidence-Based Teaching Academy (EBTA) is where Grove Center community members spend the week sharing with their colleagues the research behind the curricular and pedagogical approaches used in the college’s classrooms. This innovative program also provides new members of our Grove Center community with the time to discuss and edit an element of their course that they will teach soon.

Origins and Evolution

The genesis of EBTA can be traced back to an experiment led by Wendy Hanna-Rose in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Her experience mirrors that of many instructors who shift their perspective from teacher centered to student centered. She recognized that her teaching methods were primarily based on intuition and personal experience, prompting her to seek out educational research to drive improvements in her pedagogy and curriculum design.

After adopting research-based methods, she was invited to share her insights with colleagues at Fudan University, in Shanghai, China. This opportunity expanded into a collaborative effort, with Eberly College of Science faculty joining her to demonstrate their collective learning, giving birth to the first EBTA.

Bringing EBTA Home

Following successful iterations in China and Croatia, our team of colleagues expressed interest in bringing this experience to our college. With strong support from then-Dean Cavener and Center for Excellence in Science Education (CESE) faculty, the first EBTA for our science colleagues launched in spring 2018.

Key Features of EBTA

The following are key features of EBTA:

• Peer-to-Peer Learning: The academy is built on the principle of Eberly College of Science colleagues coaching each other, fostering a vibrant learning community.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Participants learn to adopt teaching methods grounded in educational research.
• Practical Application: The academy itself models research-based practices, allowing participants to experience these methods firsthand.

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, 167 Eberly College of Science instructors have participated in EBTA, with 24 members of our Grove Center educational community having served as facilitators. This broad participation underscores the program's success in engaging our academic community.

Why Participate?

EBTA offers you the opportunity to

• enhance your teaching effectiveness,
• learn from and network with your colleagues,
• stay current with the latest educational research, and
• contribute to improving the educational experience for all our students.

The strength of EBTA lies in its collaborative nature—faculty sharing experiences and insights in applying evidence-based practices. As we continue to offer this weeklong academy, we invite you to join us in our commitment to excellence in science education.

For more information on upcoming EBTA sessions or to express interest in participating, please contact us.