The BVA is an international network of research universities working to address the challenges of building a culture that supports more effective teaching and enhanced student learning, especially at the department level. We believe campus efforts are strengthened by working with other campuses, and local efforts can be reinvigorated through participation in a community of educators working toward similar goals.
Informed by ideas from improvement science, our collaboration involves developing a shared understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish, the causes of the problems we’re trying to solve, the changes we might introduce, and how we will know if these changes have led to sustainable improvement.
We test strategies for change through Research Action Clusters (RACs) composed of three or more partner universities. RACs may also include other institutions. RAC members design specific interventions and compare results as a source for new insights, discoveries, and further innovation. We share these experiences within the BVA network in order to build new knowledge about leading culture change, and engage the larger higher education community with findings helping to foster cultures supporting better teaching and learning. In addition to RACs, members work on emergent themes and issues advancing the BVA’s goals and mission through special projects.
The BVA is led by a Steering Committee made up from representatives of the partner institutions, invited experts, and allied organizations. A central Hub coordinates the work of the RACs and the network as a whole. We are funded by grants from external agencies and by the BVA member universities.
Mission/Core Ideas
An international network of research universities, the Bay View Alliance aims to identify and evaluate leadership strategies for cultural change to support and sustain the widespread adoption of instructional methods leading to better student learning.
- Much is known about teaching approaches supporting better student learning. The next challenge is finding ways to leverage that knowledge, to implement what is known more widely and effectively.
- Significant improvements in teaching and learning require a change in academic culture not simply changes in individual behavior. Strategic interventions by leaders at all levels are critical to changing academic culture in support of more effective teaching and enhanced student learning.
- The academic department or program is a key unit for implementing and evaluating interventions to improve the culture of teaching and learning.
- Working in a network of similar institutions, sharing ideas and evidence, increases the opportunity for good ideas to emerge and spread.