Developing theories of change to advance center for teaching and learning work

Abstract

A theory of change is a prediction about desired outcomes and the actions that may prompt them. Research on educational change suggests that explicit theories of change are essential for effectively engaging in academic change work. While many centers for teaching and learning (CTL) express aims around organizational change, a recent study was not able to identify any theories of change made public in annual reports or websites. Therefore, we outline an adaptable process for other CTLs to discuss and make explicit their own theories of change. This process involves four steps, moving across scale of a CTL (large group, small group, and individual). We offer recommendations for other types of CTLs, such as “centers of one,” to develop a theory of change and theorize about current and potential utility of a theory of change for a CTL’s work.