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What does SoTL really mean?

By textbook definition, the scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL or SoTL) is often denied as systematic inquiry into student learning which advances the practice of teaching in higher education by making inquiry findings public.

Join us in this Series to hear the different views, experiences and ways many our very own faculty have introduced SoTL into their classrooms!

SoTL Over Sandwiches
SoTL Under the Hood: Practical Examples
Designing Effective SoTL Projects
Join the SoTL Conversation
Enhance Learning Through SoTL Blitz Week 25
Coming Soon

Session 1: SoTL Over Sandwiches

Have you ever thought about how you could study what you do in your classroom to improve your students’ learning experience?

This conversation will introduce the exciting world of SOTL (the scholarship of teaching and learning). If you have ever thought about doing experiments in your classroom or simply publishing the exciting things you are doing in your classroom, then this lunch table is for you. Join us for a casual conversation about what SOTL is and why you should totally be doing it!

Objectives:

Participants will be given the opportunity to share relevant experiences, ask questions about SOTL, discuss the purpose and potential outcomes of SOTL projects, and brainstorm ideas to get started.

Presenters: Dr. Jana Hackathorn, Professor and Chair, Psychology
Heather Johnston, Academic Coordinator of English as a Second Language

Session 2: SoTL under the Hood: Practical Examples

What does SoTL (the scholarship of teaching and learning) look like in my discipline? How do I know what is SoTL and what is not? Is SoTL really evidence-based?

This session builds on the basics discussed in last month's "SoTL Over Sandwiches" session; however, it will not be necessary for you to attend that session to benefit from this one. Join the facilitators for a conversation about what research and inquiry looks like when it is systematic and evidence-based while focusing on enhancing pedagogical expertise for student learning. Participants will learn what to look for when reading SoTL scholarship and will engage with some of the most important questions and concerns about adopting a SoTL stance in one's own inquiry.

Objectives:

Identify basic characteristics of SoTL research
Review examples of SoTL research in different disciplines
Evaluate key questions around conducting and using SoTL research

Presenters: Dr. Zachary Garrett, Assistant Professor of English
Dr. Melony Shemberger, Professor of Journalism & Mass Communications

We apologize for the technical difficulties in the first half of the video!

Session 3: Designing Effective SoTL Projects: A Systematic Approach to Enhancing Teaching and Learning

Do you need guidance in designing your SoTL research project?

The scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) is a systematic, evidence-based approach to improving teaching and learning. Examples are comparing assessment results, administering student surveys, and practicing a different instructional approach. A SoTL project is no different from a research project in your discipline, but practicing SoTL research helps you to assess better what is working in your courses and publish your findings. This session will help you to design a preliminary research plan for a SoTL project.

Objectives:

Consider at least one idea for a SoTL research project.
Design a preliminary approach for a SoTL research project.

Presenters: Dr. Melony Shemberger, Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications
Dr. Jana Hackathorn, Professor and Chair, Psychology
Heather Johnston, Academic Coordinator of English as a Second Language

Session 4: Time to Share: Joining the SoTL Conversation

Where do I present or publish my SoTL work?

You are working on a SoTL project, or you have completed one. What’s next? Submitting it for a conference or publication to make it truly SoTL! In this session, we will examine the conversation around the scholarship of teaching and learning and include discussion on how to identify where, when, and how to share your work in the field.

Objectives:

Consider methods of sharing SoTL research.
Identify conferences and publications that focus on SoTL research

Presenters: Megan Wilson, Research and Instruction Librarian
Dr. Melony Shemberger, Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication

Lightning Session: Enhancing Learning Through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
In this session, faculty from diverse disciplines will share key takeaways from their participation in the
book group, titled Enhancing Learning Through the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Join us to get
a quick, impactful look at how faculty are integrating research-based strategies to enhance student
engagement and success in their courses. Prepare to gain fresh perspectives and practical ideas to
enrich your own teaching and scholarly practices. Attendees will have opportunities to share their
experiences and ask questions.

Facilitator: Firm Faith Watson, Director, Faculty Development Center

Participants:

Zachary Garrett, Assistant Professor of English
Jana Hackathorn, Professor and Chair, Psychology
Heather Johnston, Academic Coordinator of English as a Second Language
Melony Shemberger, Professor of Journalism and Mass Communications

View Session Resources

Coming Soon

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