SoTL Champions

Today we would like to share a 2015 SoTL article, entitled SoTL Champions: Leveraging Their Lessons Learned” by Marcketti, VanDerZanden and Leptien. We thought this article was timely and pertinent as several participants at the event yesterday were asking if the app worked well in the classroom; how the app met outcomes and how the instructor using the app measured the impact – all of which are research questions on teaching (aka SoTL). So, whether you are interested in complex social science design research or simply wish to use the SoTL model to think systematically about your teaching, this article may assist in your pursuit.

The authors found that the "benefits of conducting SoTL impact faculty, students and institutions". In spite of these benefits, many educators do not consistently embrace SoTL. This research explored individual experiences to further institutionalize SoTL practice. Eighteen faculty members with ranks from assistant to full professor revealed why they became involved in SoTL and the benefits that went beyond those that “counted” for promotion and tenure decisions. Suggestions for strategically using SoTL to promote the university in efforts to increase recruitment and retention were offered.