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Multidimensional Teaching

National Science Foundation (IUSE 2540029)
Scaling Evidence-Based Multidimensional Teaching in Ecology
10/1/2026 – 9/30/2029

Blog post
4DEE community at 2026 ESA annual meeting

Project Goals

This grant will allow ESA to support activities that:

  • Disseminate resources showcasing evidence-based instructional practices in the context of the 4DEE framework
  • Clarify and enhance evidence-based integration across two or more dimensions
  • Expand the 4DEE network and scale adoption of 4DEE
  • Evaluate the benefits and challenges of faculty development opportunities provided
  • Assess student outcomes from implementing 4DEE-aligned modules

Project Activities

To accomplish our goals, the project activities include:

  • Faculty Mentoring Networks to support enhanced 4DEE integration in teaching and to add additional resources
  • Readily accessible, interactive, brief, asynchronous online short course to introduce 4DEE
  • Exploration of whole course implementation of 4DEE
  • Community-building virtual events during the academic year
  • Annual in-person meetings to keep faculty motivated and share ideas developed
  • A study of faculty professional development outcomes from participation in project activities
  • A student outcomes study on the impact of 4DEE multidimensional teaching using EcoEvoMAPS

Faculty Mentoring Networks

Upon the publication of a 4DEE-aligned teaching resource:

  • Receive a stipend of $500
  • Recognized as 4DEE Education Scholars
  • Eligible for priority consideration for travel support at a community event such as travel to ESA annual meeting
  • Featured as speakers at ESA events, thus nationally recognizing their efforts and perspectives
  • Eligible for future peer mentor opportunities

All FMN participants are expected to participate in the faculty and student outcomes study with additional $100 incentive:

  • Participate in professional development
  • Administer student outcomes study the following semester

Opportunities

Spring 2027: Integrating multiple dimensions of learning in Field and Lab Courses with a field component (Field Course FMN)