The March SoTL SIG session was presented by Dr Corinne Green who discussed reflective practice in teaching and learning, drawing on her experience writing a book chapter.

Key takeaways:

• Reflective practice: Corinne emphasised the importance of reflective practice in developing as an academic and in SoTL. Participants shared their own definitions of reflective practice, and Corinne discussed her process for turning her informal reflections into a formal publication.
• Intertwined threads: Corinne discussed using a framework of " Braided Threads" for her book chapter, which represents the intertwining of learning and knowing; changing and transforming; being and becoming. As an example, sharing more about her journey into SoTL, she highlighted how it has concurrently deepened her understanding of teaching and learning, transformed her practices, and led to informal leadership opportunities.
• Planned serendipity: This describes the linked role of both luck and strategic choices in career and academic progression. Using this concept and giving examples, Corrinne described the importance of both being intentionally present in spaces where opportunity could arise, and of seizing opportunities when they do.
• Sharpening the saw: Using the metaphor of ‘sharpening the saw for three hours to cut down the tree in one’, Corinne answered questions about the importance and practicality of dedicating time for scholarly reflection in a fast-paced higher education space. A significant conversation arose around developing an online reflection group.

This session triggered deep engagement and conversation amongst attendees and was clearly an area of interest. As a result, we’re working to bring another session on reflection later in the year.

Dr Corinne Green’s book chapter is “The braided threads of learning, changing, and becoming: Reflections on my SoTL adventures (so far)” in the book Becoming a SoTL Scholar, edited by Janice Miller-Young and Nancy Chick. It’s open access and features chapters from SoTL scholars worldwide.

Watch the full recording here: Reflecting on reflective practices as SoTL scholars by Dr Corinne Green (March 2025)

Other session resources:

• Corinne’s comedy show: Future Science Talks: Comedy Edition - Dr Corinne Green
• The podcast: Developing as a SoTL Scholar: ... - SoTL on the Sofa - Apple Podcasts
• Green, C. (2024) Strategic choices when designing teaching and learning professional development: Evidence from literature. ISSOTL conference
• Reflection for learning: a scholarly practice guide for educators (AdvanceHE)
• Healey, Mick, Kelly E. Matthews, and Alison Cook-Sather. 2020. Writing about Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: Creating and Contributing to Scholarly Conversations across a Range of Genres. Elon, NC: Elon University Center for Engaged Learning. https://doi.org/10.36284/celelon.oa3
• Hammond, K. (2020). Threat, drive, and soothe: learning self-compassion in an academic writing retreat. Higher Education Research & Development, 40(7), 1437–1451. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2020.1830037

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Get involved: Join our monthly sessions, share your experiences, and collaborate with peers to advance your SoTL journey. Note that there is no session in April due to the abundance of public and school holidays.

We’ll see you again on May 16^th 12pm AEST with Professor Kelly Matthews’ session Expanding Your Reach: Writing for Impact in Teaching and Learning!

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