Janice Miller-Young, a Mechanical Engineering Professor and former Academic Director at the University of Alberta, joins Nancy Chick, director of the Endeavor Foundation Center for Faculty Development, to discuss the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). They explore the evolution of SoTL over three decades and its importance in diverse methodologies. The conversation highlights inclusivity in academia, strategies for engaging with SoTL, and the role of ‘social active faculty’ in adapting teaching practices post-pandemic.
The increase in faculty participation in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is transforming higher education's approach to teaching methodologies.
Resources like the open educational resource introduced are crucial for supporting faculty in their pursuit of SoTL research and initiatives.
Deep dives
Growing Interest in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SODL)
A notable increase in faculty engagement with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SODL) is reshaping higher education. This growth is partly facilitated by resources designed to support faculty in SODL research, making it more accessible. For instance, the introduction of an open educational resource aims to assist those interested in pursuing this area of scholarship, providing valuable guidance and methodologies. Such developments highlight the evolving landscape of teaching and learning research and the increasing recognition of its importance in academia.
Challenges in Graduate Education Preparation
Graduate programs often prioritize training in disciplinary research, leaving little room for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SODL) preparation. Many faculty members feel ill-equipped as they enter teaching-focused roles without adequate training in ongoing educational research. Some institutions, like the University of Alberta, are gradually integrating components of SODL into their programs, but widespread change is still needed. The conversation around enhancing such training is ongoing, reflecting a broader movement toward recognizing teaching excellence as a valid research endeavor.
Navigating Institutional Cultures for SODL
Faculty interested in launching a SODL career must navigate varying levels of institutional support and recognition for this type of scholarship. Starting with small projects can help faculty build confidence and establish a foundation in SODL. Furthermore, addressing institutional priorities can garner support and demonstrate the relevance of SODL initiatives, thereby increasing recognition within departments. Building connections with experienced SODL scholars outside one’s institution can also provide critical mentorship and resources for effectively pursuing this scholarship.
A growing number of faculty members participate in the scholarship of teaching and learning, or SoTL. In this episode, Janice Miller-Young and Nancy Chick join us to discuss a new open educational resource designed to assist faculty interested in pursuing SoTL research.
Janice is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and a past Academic Director at the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of Alberta. Nancy Chick is the director of the Endeavor Foundation Center for Faculty Development at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. Nancy had also served as a Professor of English within the University of Wisconsin System, where she codirected the Teaching Fellows and Scholars Program for all of the system’s 26 campuses. Janice and Nancy have both published extensively on the scholarship of teaching and learning and have each co-authored influential books on SoTL methodologies and signature pedagogies.