Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

What is SoTL?

SoTL begins with scholarly teaching (informed, reflective teaching), but must progress to analysis and dissemination.  

“Faculty frame and systematically investigate questions related to student learning -
the conditions under which it occurs, what it looks like, how to deepen it, and so
forth - and do so with an eye not only to improving their own classroom but to
advancing practice beyond it.” (Hutchings & Shulman, 1999, p. 13)

Hutchings, P., & Shulman L.S. (1999). The scholarship of teaching: New elaborations, new developments. Change. 31(5), 10-15.

Learning How to Do It

SoTL Topics and Methods

A Selection of Areas for Study

Recruitment & Admissions

• Recruitment methods
• Admissions criteria
• Admissions interviews

Program Evaluation

• Curricular models
• Benchmarks for excellence
• Graduate outcomes/clinical competence

Teaching Methods and Assessment

• Teaching strategies
• Teaching with technology
• Assessment methods
• Cultural competence

Academic Advising and Mentoring

• Timing and frequency
• Faculty development needs

Faculty Development

• Novice faculty needs
• Promotion and tenure
• Models and methods

For more ideas about possible topics for your scholarship, see Peggy Maki's Handout from her Spring 2016 Faculty Development Days workshop.

SoTL Methods

SoTL Articles and Books

Teaching & Learning Inquiry: The ISSOTL Journal [an open access SoTL journal]

Angelo, T.A., & Cross, K. P. (1993). Classroom assessment techniques: A handbook for college teachers. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. [available to borrow from the Instructional Designers]

Bishop-Clark, C., & Dietz-Uhler, B. (2012). Engaging in the scholarship of teaching and learning. Sterling, VA: Stylus. [available to borrow from the Bellack Library]

Divan, A., Ludwig, L.O., Matthews, K. E., Motley, P. M., & Tomljenovic-Berube, A. M. (2017). Survey of research approaches utilized in the scholarship of teaching and learning publications. Teaching & Learning Inquiry, 5, 16-29.

Felton, P. (2013). Principles of good practice in SoTL. Teaching and Learning Inquiry, 1, 121-125.

Williams, K. M. (2015). Doing research to improve teaching and learning: A guide for college and university faculty. New York, NY: Routledge. [available to borrow from the Bellack Library]

See also...

Our Scholarship page in the Faculty Resources Guide.