Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

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The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning SIG engages academics, professional staff, third-space staff and part-time teaching staff. Its vision is to support HERDSA’s aims to facilitate and promote the enhancement of teaching and learning, encourage and disseminate research on higher education and tertiary teaching and learning, encourage collaboration and the development of professional communities in higher and tertiary education and assist its members in their ongoing professional development.

This SIG is especially relevant for any individual who is new to SoTL and wishes to:

  • engage in a collaborative, safe, respectful dialogic learning space with like-minded colleagues;
  • explore and improve their teaching practices through scholarly activity;
  • conduct investigative and explorative research on teaching practice and learning; and
  • engage in scholarly inquiry to enhance student learning outcomes, teaching practice and policy.

Aims for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Special Interest Group:

  • To bring together individuals interested in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) to create a supportive community where members can engage in discussions, share experiences, and collaborate on projects related to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
  • To encourage and facilitate research on effective teaching and learning practices, assessment methods, and educational innovations.
  • To provide a platform for members to share their findings, insights, and best practices related to the scholarship of teaching and learning through conferences, workshops and webinars.

To support the professional development of its members by offering opportunities for networking, mentoring, and collaboration.

SIG Co-Leaders

Dr Trisha Poole (Academic Developer)
University of Southern Queensland
trisha.poole@unisq.edu.au

Sue Sharpe (Lecturer, Inclusive Education)
Deakin University
​​​​​​​s.sharpe@deakin.edu.au

 

The 5C Framework: Your Blueprint for SOTL Research

Wondering if you should get involved in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL)? You’re not alone. As a higher education instructor, it’s easy to wonder: Isn’t teaching enough? Why do I need to research my teaching? How can considering ways to explore student learning be research? The short answer is engaging with SOTL can enhance your own teaching, support your colleagues in strengthening theirs, and at the same time support student engagement and learning. However, it’s not always a simple shift.


HERDSA SoTL SIG March recap: Reflecting on reflective practices as SoTL Scholars.

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:


Strengthening SoTL through Theory, Methodology, and Reflexivity

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.


From Classroom Innovation to Scholarly Insight: A Journey through the 5C’s of SoTL Research in Teaching and Learning

Join us for an interactive workshop where we'll guide you through the 5C’s - Common Ground, Complication, Concern, Course of Action, and Contribution - to help you conceptualize, develop, and potentially publish your Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research project. Whether you're exploring innovative practices, addressing identified challenges, seeking improvement, or delving into student feedback and engagement, this session will empower you to contribute valuable insights to the educational community.


From Classroom Innovation to Scholarly Insight: A Journey through the 5C’s of SoTL Research in Teaching and Learning

Join us for an interactive workshop where we'll guide you through the 5C’s - Common Ground, Complication, Concern, Course of Action, and Contribution - to help you conceptualize, develop, and potentially publish your Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research project. Whether you're exploring innovative practices, addressing identified challenges, seeking improvement, or delving into student feedback and engagement, this session will empower you to contribute valuable insights to the educational community.


New Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Special Interest Group Initial Meeting

Please join us as we launch the newest HERDSA Special Interest Group. If you are intending to join the meeting, we ask that you complete the online survey before the meeting. Survey link https://forms.office.com/r/unvuzLU2PE. The data will assist us to gauge the SoTL experience and needs of the participants.

Facilitators: A/Prof Deb Clarke, Dr Trisha Poole, Sue Sharpe