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Dare to Tinker: SoTL (Part 1)

Written by

Monica L Mills (Rosen)

/ Published on

Have you ever wondered why some students engage deeply with a concept while others struggle? Or why a strategy that worked wonders in one class doesn’t seem to resonate with another? If so, you’re already on the path to engaging in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). At its core, SoTL is about embracing the tinkerer’s mindset—approaching your teaching with curiosity, a willingness to experiment, and the drive to make a difference in student learning.

SoTL transforms the everyday tweaks we make as educators into intentional, research-based inquiries. It’s a way to take the questions you already have about your classroom and turn them into powerful insights that can enhance your teaching and your students’ success.

What Is SoTL?

The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning is a research-based approach to improving education. But it’s not just about conducting studies—it’s about actively engaging with your students’ learning processes to make data-informed decisions. SoTL is guided by five key principles:

  1. Inquiry and Curiosity: Start with a question about your teaching or your students’ learning.
  2. Systematic Investigation: Use evidence-based methods to explore that question.
  3. Reflection: Analyze your findings to identify what’s working—and why.
  4. Iterative Improvement: Keep refining your strategies based on what you learn.
  5. Transparency and Sharing: Share your insights with others to contribute to the larger teaching community.

Think of it as bringing the mindset of a scientist into the classroom: What if? Why not? How can I do this better?

Your SoTL Journey in 5 Steps

Engaging in SoTL is a manageable, step-by-step process:

  1. Identify the Research Question- Start with a specific challenge or curiosity. For example, “How does active learning influence student participation in large lecture courses?”
  2. Design the Study- Plan your approach. Will you use surveys? Observations? Focus groups? Ensure your study aligns with your goals and ethical guidelines.
  3. Collect Data- Gather evidence systematically. This could include student reflections, test scores, or LMS analytics.
  4. Analyze the Data and Draw Conclusions- Look for patterns or trends. What do the results tell you about your teaching and your students’ learning?
  5. Disseminate Results- Share your findings with colleagues, present at conferences, or publish in a SoTL journal. Your insights could inspire other educators to try new approaches in their classrooms.

How CTLI Supports Your SoTL Work

You don’t have to go it alone—MSU’s Center for Teaching and Learning Innovation (CTLI) is here to support you at every step of your SoTL journey. Here’s how:

  • Brainstorm and Design: Not sure where to start? Our consultations can help you refine your research question, choose methods, and plan your study.
  • Tools and Data: We’ll show you how to leverage psychometric methods and LMS data through tools like D2L Insights or integrate other technologies into your research.
  • Funding Opportunities: Apply for Catalyst Innovation Funding to bring your project to life.
  • Workshops and Training: Attend our sessions to build your skills in qualitative and quantitative research methods, ethical considerations, and more.
  • Share Your Work: Present your findings at CTLI’s Spring TALKS Conference or get advice on submitting to SoTL journals.

Whatever stage you’re at, CTLI is your partner in turning teaching questions into actionable, evidence-based answers.

Small Steps, Big Impact

You don’t need to overhaul your entire course to get started with SoTL. Begin with a single question, a small change, or a simple data collection strategy. Each step you take adds to your understanding of what works in your classroom—and why. Over time, these small steps can lead to big impacts on your teaching, your students, and your professional growth.

So, dare to tinker. Your curiosity could be the spark that transforms not only your classroom but the larger community of educators. Ready to take that first step? CTLI is here to support you every step of the way. Let’s turn your ideas into action!

Upcoming SoTL Workshops:

Introduction to SoTL (Part 1)
SoTL Qualitative Methods (Part 2a)
SoTL Quantitative Methods (Part 2b)
SoTL Advanced Methods (Part 3)
Course Analytics & D2L Insights

Register for CTLI Workshops

Resources:

1. CTLI-Specific Resources

2. SoTL Guides and Handbooks

3. SoTL Communities and Networks

  • Professional Organizations:
    • International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL).
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