SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning)

SoTL (Scholarship of Teaching and Learning) matters because students matter. Because teaching and learning are central to the university experience, engaging with SoTL strengthens not only your teaching practice but also our entire institution.

At the Teaching Centre, we are enhancing our SoTL support. Our goal is to inspire engagement in SoTL and serve interested educators with the tools and partnership needed to fulfill a rich and smooth SoTL experience.

Learn more about the funds available to support your SoTL research. Application deadlines are November 1 and April 1.

Good Teaching

employing strategies that promote learning
student satisfaction surveys
peer observations
self-reflection
supports department goals and objectives
sometimes supported by published SoTL research

Scholarly Teaching

taking a scholarly approach to teaching
reflective practice
gather insight from students
discuss teaching with colleagues
try new things
read and apply literature to teaching and learning

SoTL

systematic study of teaching and learning
builds on teaching development in HE
involves inquiry by gathering and analyzing data
public sharing (ie. presentations or publications)
often interdisciplinary
contributes to growing body of knowledge about teaching and learning

What is SoTL?

SoTL is:

a systematic inquiry into student learning and teaching practices, aimed at improving educational outcomes and sharing findings with others.
an evidence-based approach. It involves gathering and analyzing evidence to inform teaching decisions.
a scholarly process, following the same process as other rigorous research.
a unique opportunity for student researchers to learn about research and pedagogy. SoTL can bolster students' understanding of research as they engage alongside their supervisor. It can also provide a shift in metacognition, as research on teaching and learning can offer new perspectives on education and encourage students to reflect on how they learn and operate as students.

SoTL is not:

separate from teaching. It is an integral part of reflective practice and continuous improvement.
discipline specific, as it draws from various interdisciplinary studies and is, consequently, applied across different fields of study.
completed in a silo. Partnering with like-minded scholars, students, and Teaching Centre staff provides opportunities for rich and impactful research.