Aid DCL: scaling evidence-based multidimensional teaching in ecology

The National Science Foundation Division of Undergraduate Education awarded The Ecological Society of America Inc. $750,000 on October 1, 2026, under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to scale evidence-based multidimensional teaching in ecology.

ESA will develop and deliver professional development resources to support faculty adoption of the Ecological Society of America's Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) framework in undergraduate courses. Project activities include creating modular online courses introducing the 4DEE framework, establishing communities of practice to connect faculty across instructional settings, and providing flexible, cost-effective professional development in accessible formats suitable for small classrooms, large lecture halls, and rural and remote locations.

The project will investigate the extent to which faculty adopt evidence-based instructional practices, identify which faculty benefit most from online professional development, and examine changes in student performance following 4DEE implementation. Data collection will include faculty products, student performance on the EcoEvo-Maps assessment tool, and course-based assessments. Expected outcomes include broader implementation of evidence-based instructional practices in ecology education, increased faculty capacity to integrate the 4DEE framework, and improved student learning outcomes in undergraduate ecology courses.

Performance runs through September 30, 2029, with work performed in Washington, DC.

Abstract

This project aims to serve the national interest by promoting evidence-based instructional practices that improve ecology education and prepare students for scientific study, management, and informed dialogue about our changing ecological systems. The ecological society of america?S four-dimensional ecology education (4DEE) framework provides a shared reference for faculty across many instructional settings, from small classrooms to large lecture halls, including rural and remote locations. This level II engaged student learning project will offer flexible, cost-effective professional development in accessible formats and connect faculty through communities of practice to expand adoption of multidimensional learning. Expected outcomes include broader implementation of evidence-based instructional practices, increased faculty capacity to integrate the 4DEE framework, and improved student learning in undergraduate ecology courses. Grounded on lessons learned and the research base, the goals of this project are to support faculty in designing lessons and assessments that integrate two or more dimensions of the four-dimensional ecology education (4DEE) framework. The project plans to investigate the extent to which faculty adopt evidence-based instructional practices, identify which faculty benefit most from online professional development and examine changes in student performance following implementation of the 4DEE framework. To answer these questions, the project plans to collect data from faculty products, student performance on the ecoevo-maps, and course-based assessments. Findings are expected to advance understanding of the conditions under which 4DEE-aligned teaching influences student learning and faculty instructional practice in ecology. Project products and activities to support faculty understanding and 4DEE implementation include: 1) modular online courses that introduce 4DEE multidimensional learning and assessment design; 2) monthly virtual events to disseminate new resources; 3) semester-long faculty mentoring networks to develop 4DEE-integrated teaching resources; 4) a year-long FMN to support whole-course 4DEE implementation; and 5) annual faculty community meetings. The NSF iuse: EDU program supports research and development projects to improve the effectiveness of stem education for all students. Through the engaged student learning track, the program supports the creation, exploration, and implementation of promising practices and tools. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are not planned for this award.