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Summer Series: Conducting research on teaching and learning

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Summer Series: Conducting research on teaching and learning

Exploring the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL): Enhancing Classroom Practices and Sharing Knowledge

Breana Bayraktar
Jun 6, 2023
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Summer Series: Conducting research on teaching and learning

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In summers past I’ve dedicated time to exploring one topic in-depth, like the series on course design that started with planning by design and continued with pieces on writing learning outcomes, connecting assessments to outcomes, planning learning activities & course materials), building structure (organization, expectations & syllabus) and culminated with two pieces on how we implement our design decisions in our teaching practices: instructor presence and facilitation. This summer I have a series planned on getting started with conducting research on our teaching and our students’ learning.

blocks on a table spelling the word "study" with books in the background
Free image from Pixabay

If you’re familiar with the terms action research or classroom-based research, then the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) will feel very familiar to you.

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Why conduct classroom-based research?

Experimenting with new teaching approaches, curricula, and learning activities is a regular part of our work as teachers, but too often we don’t really understand why some things work and others don’t. Our course innovations provide a great opportunity to conduct research on how changes impact student learning through a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project. SoTL encourages educators to systematically examine their classroom practices, enhance teaching based on empirical findings, and disseminate their insights to benefit the broader educational community.

Reflecting on the Benefits

Embarking on a SoTL project allows you to critically analyze the impact of your teaching innovations on student learning. By collecting and analyzing data, you gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of your pedagogical changes. This evidence-based approach empowers you to make informed decisions to further improve your teaching methods and strategies. By sharing your findings with fellow educators, you contribute to the collective knowledge and advancement of teaching practices in your discipline.

SoTL involves “faculty bringing their habits and skills as scholars to their work as teachers… habits of asking questions, gathering evidence of all different kinds, drawing conclusions or raising new questions”

“Key characteristics of the scholarship of teaching and learning,” Center for Engaged Learning - see video below).

What to expect

Over the series, the goal is that you will learn how to effectively plan and execute a successful scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) project. Through weekly asynchronous activities, we will explore what SoTL is, consider disciplinary perspectives, develop research questions, and evaluate the effectiveness of different research methods. Towards the end of the summer, I will also provide insights into planning your IRB proposal, including ethical considerations. I’m excited to dive into examining our teaching practices through evidence-based research.


Do you have a colleague who might be interested in exploring SoTL? Invite them to join you!

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Homework

If you are eager to get started, this is a great - short -article to get thinking about SoTL: Principles of Good Practice in SoTL by Peter Felten (Teaching & Learning Inquiry).

Questions? Suggestions? Leave a comment below!

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Tips for Teaching Professors is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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Summer Series: Conducting research on teaching and learning

higheredpraxis.substack.com
Jennifer Raymond
Jun 7

This sounds so Interesting. Does this require a paid subscription?

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Marguerite Mayhall
Jun 6

Is it a sign-up kind of series? or something you post about and we get notifications? I'm really looking forward to this! In the 20+ years I've been teaching at this particular institution, we have never had any support for SoTL and I'd like to try it before I retire.

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