22 - Wendy Green

Title

So what is SoTL, and how do I do it? A practical workshop on writing the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Author(s)

Kerryn Butler-Henderson*, Tasmanian School of Business and Economics (TSBE)
Derek Choi-Lundberg*, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health
Tracy Douglas*, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health
Wendy Green*, Tasmanian Institute of Learning and Teaching (TILT), Curriculum & Quality, Division of the DVC (Students and Education)
Karen Hall, Tasmanian College of the Arts, Faculty of Arts

Subtheme

Breadth Units and Inter-disciplinerity

Presentation Type

Workshop

Room

Drawing Room

Time

14.20-15.20

Abstract

A growing international and interdisciplinary movement, the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) refers to scholarly inquiry into a learning and teaching issue, which advances the practice of teaching by making its findings public (Shulman, 1999). The University of Tasmania’s strategic support for SoTL is reflected in our Teaching Performance Expectations.
Many staff are keen to investigate, and publish on issues related to their teaching learning context. Yet, beginning to research and publish SoTL can be daunting, especially for those in disciplines outside of the social sciences. Moving into a new disciplinary space is akin to moving between cultures in that it involves new ways of understanding, new practices, and new ways of communicating to new audiences (Elliot-Johns, 2011).
During 2016, the Community of Practice for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Writers (SoTL Writers’ CoP) has supported the SoTL writing practices of its members by building an interdisciplinary culture of SoTL inquiry, developing a repository of SoTL writing resources, and fostering new interdisciplinary SoTL projects. Together, we have explored, practised and reflected on new writing tips and activities.
This workshop presented by members of the SoTL CoP will introduce participants to the concept of SoTL, and provide an opportunity to engage in some of the writing activities that we have found to be effective. The workshop will be highly practical and interactive, with discussion interspersed with short individual writing activities.
This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to:
* Explore the concept of SoTL and how it could be developed in their own learning and teaching context
* Identify a topic, which could be developed into a SoTL project and publication
* Practice short bursts of SoTL writing using different writing exercises and techniques
* Network with others who are interested in SoTL and learn about the SoTL Writers’ CoP.
References
Elliott-Johns, S. (2011). Reclaiming a Writing Voice as a New Teacher Educator: SoTL as Portal.  International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 5 (22). Available at: http://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/ij-sotl/vol5/iss2/22.
Shulman, L. S. (1999). Taking learning seriously. Change, July/August 1999: 10-17.