SDL Instructional Model: Leaders and Administrators

Institutional leaders and administrators play a critical role in supporting the adoption and sustainability of the SDL Instructional Model, a scalable, evidence-based approach designed to improve student success in online and hybrid courses.

The SDL Instructional Model includes a Campus Resource Guide for leaders and administrators working to develop a plan for faculty adoption of the instructional model. The guide features case-making materials, slides for an introductory workshop about the model, and professional development materials for more in-depth faculty support.

Why Adopt the Model

Research conducted by the Collaborative shows that:

  • Students benefit from structured support in planning, reflection, and help-seeking.
  • Faculty value strategies that are easy to integrate and adaptable.
  • Institutions can strengthen outcomes by embedding learning supports directly into courses.

The SDL Instructional Model was designed to complement existing campus student success initiatives, faculty development programs, and digital learning programs.
The model’s learning strategies, used individually or as a set, can support institutional priorities such as student retention, completion, and success, particularly in high-enrollment and foundational online STEM courses.

How Leaders Can Support Implementation

Leaders can support adoption by:

  • Integrating the model into faculty development and instructional design processes
  • Identifying faculty champions and early adopters
  • Aligning the model with institutional strategic goals
  • Providing resources and technical support for implementation
  • Examining the science behind the SDL Instructional Model

The SDL Instructional Model’s Campus Resource Guide includes:

  • Tips for institutional adoption
  • A suite of materials for educational developers to support implementation, including plans and ready-to-use text for a Getting Started Workshop, professional learning communities, seminars, or other activities
  • Implementation planning resources
  • Customizable slides that can be used to make the case for implementing the model on your campus

Download the Campus Resource Guide

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