Instructional Excellence Project

Association of College and University Educators (ACUE)

Upcoming Courses for Academic Year 2025-2026

• Promoting Active Learning: 6-week Micro - Launching Fall 2025
• Inspiring Inquiry and Preparing Lifelong Learners: 6-week Micro - Launching Spring 2026

These 6-week courses concentrate on teaching practices effective in face-to-face instruction. The courses are two of four blocks that make up the Effective Teaching Practices (ETP) credential recognized by the American Council on Education or ACE. Additional micro credential opportunities are offered at TAMU and through the TAMU System. 

Comprehensive in scope, the micros facilitate faculty members learning together and implementing approaches to maximize learning in the college classroom. Each micro has 30 faculty seats available.

ACUE’s micro course Promoting Active Learning focuses on implementing active learning approaches that improve engagement and persistence and promote deeper learning. Topics include:  

• Developing Effective Class Sessions and Lectures
• Teaching Powerful Note-Taking Skills
• Using Groups to Ensure Active Learning
• Using the Active Learning Cycle
• Planning Effective Class Discussions
• Facilitating Engaging Class Discussions

ACUE’s micro course Inspiring Inquiry and Preparing Lifelong Learners focuses on motivating students, deepening their understanding, and helping them take greater ownership of their learning.  

• Motivating Your Students
• Providing Clear Directions and Explanations
• Using Concept Maps and Other Visualization Tools
• Using Student Achievement and Feedback to Improve Your Teaching
• Using Advanced Questioning Techniques
• Developing Self Directed Learners

Delivery Format

Both micros are primarily online asynchronous 6-week programs hosted in the ACUE Canvas learning management system, with approximately 3-4 hours in learning activities and online discussions expected every week. Asynchronous engagement with peers is expected as participants will go through the 6 weeks together as a cohort. There will also be required, synchronous Zoom sessions with the program facilitator that will be scheduled based on participants’ availability. Other meetings or consultations may be scheduled as needed. 

Time Commitment

Participants must commit 3 - 4 hours per week for 6 weeks.

Upon Completion

Faculty will receive an ACUE-issued digital badge to share in teaching portfolios and on social media.

Application Process

The application is completed in Qualtrics. Prepare the following documents for upload in PDF format: 

• Letter of support from Department Head or Direct Supervisor (1-page maximum)
• Teaching Philosophy Statement (1-page maximum) Philosophy Statement Guide
• Course syllabus

Application Timeline 

Promoting Active Learning – Fall 2025
Call for Applications Opens May 2025 
Deadline for Applications August 22, 2025 
Cohort Notifications by: August 29, 2025 
Apply Now