Understanding the complexity of centers for teaching and learning: introducing a four-dimensional model

Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) are gaining visibility in the higher education landscape as key actors that support universities in providing high-quality education and fostering a culture that values teaching and learning. While existing research on CTLs typically focuses on evaluation, impact, or institutionally context-specific work, we sought to unearth a framework that could be universally applied to understanding CTL work and functionality. Following data collection and 25 interviews with CTL Directors from higher education institutions across the USA, we created an integrative approach that brings together organizational, behavioral, and relational perspectives. The four dimensions-governance, identity, social capital, and activities-enable us to investigate CTLs from various angles and at different levels, providing valuable clues for understanding CTL performance and challenges. This integrative model can also be used as a framework to inform CTL design decisions.