Welcome to 2025 with HERDSA SoTL SIG!

We started the year with an insightful session on 21 February, focusing on strengthening the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) through theory, methodology, and reflexivity. Dr Juan Fischer from the University of Melbourne led the session and detailed how these elements can enhance our research and teaching practices.

Dr Fischer emphasised the critical role of theory in providing frameworks, lenses, and assumptions to guide our research design and interpretation. He highlighted how theory helps build upon existing research, making our studies more robust and interconnected.

Key Takeaways

• Theories: The session explored various theories, from the foundational theories that underlie most SoTL, such as cognitivism and social constructivism, to the practical frameworks, such as self-regulated learning or assessment for learning.
• Metaphors of learning: Dr Fischer introduced the concept of metaphors of learning, distinguishing between acquiring information, constructing knowledge and learning as becoming part of a community or practice. He identified how these metaphors can help us design more effective learning environments.
• Methodologies and methods: The discussion covered a range of research methodologies with examples, from quantitative and qualitative approaches to mixed methods.
• Data collection and analysis: Various methods for data collection were discussed, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, and document analysis. Dr Fischer also highlighted different analysis techniques, such as content analysis, thematic analysis, and narrative analysis.
• Reflexivity in research: Reflexivity was a key theme, emphasising the importance of recognising the researcher's position and its impact on the research process and the credibility of qualitative research.

Join the Conversation

This session is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their teaching and learning practices through a more rigorous and reflective approach. You are welcome to view the recording of this session to gain deeper insights into how theory, methodology, and reflexivity can strengthen your SoTL research.

Stay engaged with the HERDSA SoTL SIG community, collaborate with fellow members, and continue to explore the diverse and dynamic field of SoTL. Together, we can make meaningful contributions to the scholarship of teaching and learning.

Join us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14343410/

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 16 May 2025 (12.00–1.00 pm AEST) with Professor Kelly Matthews’ session Expanding Your Reach: Writing for Impact in Teaching and Learning. Register at https://unisq.zoom.us/meeting/register/rT5UexjmRfCDHWnCrZb1zQ#/registration

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