Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)

There are numerous resources available for faculty members who are interested in learning about the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Some of the most popular resources include:

1. Books and journals: There are many books and journals that focus specifically on SoTL, including “To Improve the Academy,” “Journal of Effective Teaching,” and “Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.”
2. Conferences: Attending conferences focused on SoTL is a great way to learn from experts in the field, network with others, and learn about new developments and best practices. Conferences such as the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL) and the National SoTL Conference provide opportunities for faculty members to engage with others who are interested in SoTL.
3. Online communities: There are many online communities and forums dedicated to SoTL, including the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL), the SoTL Commons, and the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE). These communities provide opportunities for faculty members to connect with others, share their work, and engage in discussions about SoTL.
4. Faculty development workshops and courses: The Teaching and Learning Center offers workshops and courses focused on SoTL as part of their ongoing faculty development offerings. These can provide hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for faculty members to engage with others who are interested in SoTL.
5. SoTL grant and funding opportunities: Our institution offers grants and funding opportunities for faculty members to engage in SoTL research and inquiry. These grants can provide valuable support and resources for faculty members who are interested in exploring SoTL further (e.g., the Faculty Research and Creative Activity Support Grants from the Office of the Vice President of Research). As your department chair and/or dean for college-specific resources (e.g., COE’s Dean’s Grant for Research).

By taking advantage of these resources, faculty members can develop their understanding of SoTL, improve their teaching practice, and make meaningful contributions to the field.

Here are some examples of research questions in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL):

1. What is the impact of small-group discussions on student engagement and learning outcomes in undergraduate courses?
2. How does the use of technology, such as online simulations or virtual reality, affect student motivation and performance in science courses?
3. Does the use of peer-led team learning increase student learning outcomes and academic performance in ethnic studies courses?
4. How does the integration of service-learning experiences into the curriculum affect student attitudes towards community engagement and civic responsibility?
5. What is the effect of using formative assessments on student motivation and academic performance in upper division mathematics classes?
6. How does the use of case studies in business education affect student critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities?
7. How do different approaches to student feedback, such as written comments or audio recordings, impact student motivation and learning outcomes in writing courses?
8. What is the impact of blended learning, combining traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning, on student engagement and academic performance in higher education?
9. How does the use of active learning strategies, such as in-class group activities or peer-to-peer instruction, affect student engagement and learning outcomes in introductory psychology courses?
10. How does the integration of diverse perspectives and experiences into the curriculum affect student perceptions of cultural competency and empathy?

If you’re interested in getting started in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), here are some steps you can take:

1. Read about SoTL: Start by reading about SoTL and its history, principles, and key concepts. This will give you a foundational understanding of the field and its goals.
2. Attend workshops and conferences: Participating in workshops and conferences that focus on SoTL can help you learn from experts in the field and network with other scholars.
3. Collaborate with others: Joining a SoTL community or collaborating with colleagues on SoTL projects can help you learn from others and get feedback on your own work.
4. Identify a research question: Choose a teaching or learning challenge that you are passionate about and form a research question that you would like to explore through SoTL. 
5. Choose a research method: Decide on the best research method for your question, taking into consideration the context of your study, the resources available, and the type of data you want to collect.
6. Conduct your study: Carry out your study, collecting and analyzing data, and interpreting your results.
7. Share your findings: Share your findings with others through conference presentations, journal articles, or other forms of dissemination.
8. Reflect and improve: Reflect on your study and use your findings to improve your teaching practice.

Choosing the appropriate research methodology for a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) study can be a challenging task. Here are some steps you can take to determine the best methodology for your study:

1. Review the research question: Start by reviewing the research question and objectives of your SoTL study to determine what type of data you need to collect and what type of analysis is required. 
2. Consider the nature of the study: Consider the nature of your study, such as whether it is experimental, quasi-experimental, or observational, and what type of data you will be collecting (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods).
3. Familiarize yourself with research methodologies: Familiarize yourself with the different research methodologies available, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, and their strengths and weaknesses.
4. Consider the resources available: Consider the resources available to you, including time, funding, and personnel, as well as any constraints or limitations that may affect the methodology you choose.
5. Seek guidance from experts: Seek guidance from experts in the field, such as your advisor or mentor, or other experienced researchers in SoTL, to help you determine the best methodology for your study.
6. Evaluate your choices: Evaluate the different methodologies you have considered, taking into account their suitability for your research question, the resources available to you, and any limitations or constraints.

By following these steps, you can determine the best research methodology for your SoTL study, ensuring that the methodology you choose is well-suited to your research question and provides valid and reliable results. 

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) process is a crucial aspect of conducting research in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Here are some steps you can take to navigate the IRB process: 

1. Review NAU’s IRB policies: Before starting your SoTL research at NAU, make sure to review the university’s IRB policies and guidelines, including the procedures for obtaining IRB approval.
2. Determine if IRB approval is necessary: Determine if your SoTL research project at NAU requires IRB approval, based on the university’s guidelines. Some projects may be exempt, while others may require full review.
3. Submit your IRB application: Prepare and submit your IRB application to NAU, following the university’s guidelines and providing a clear and concise description of your research question, methods, and measures, as well as your plans for protecting the rights and welfare of participants.
4. Address ethical considerations: Address ethical considerations in your IRB application, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and data security, to ensure that you are in compliance with NAU’s IRB policies and guidelines.
5. Seek feedback: Seek feedback from colleagues or experts in the field on your IRB application before submitting it to NAU to ensure that it is complete and addresses all of the necessary considerations.
6. Respond to IRB feedback: If the IRB at NAU provides feedback on your application, make any necessary revisions and respond promptly to any questions or concerns raised by the IRB.
7. Secure IRB approval: Once you have received IRB approval from NAU, proceed with your research, making sure to follow all of the guidelines and protocols specified in your approval letter. 

By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the IRB process at NAU and conduct your SoTL research with confidence.