Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL)
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning is a growing movement in post-secondary education. SOTL is a scholarly inquiry into student learning which advances the practice of teaching by making research findings public.
SOTL builds on many past traditions in higher education, including classroom and program assessment, K-12 action research, the reflective practice movement, peer review of teaching, traditional educational research, and faculty development efforts to enhance teaching and learning. Terms closely related to the scholarship of teaching and learning are good teaching (that which promotes student learning and desired outcomes and is recognized by student satisfaction, peer review, etc.) and scholarly teaching (in which teaching is regarded as an area of study and the teaching and learning knowledge base is regarded as an additional discipline in which to develop expertise).
Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW)
In-person workshop
The Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) is offered to groups of five or six colleagues and is designed to enhance the teaching effectiveness of both new and experienced educators. During the workshop, you design and conduct three "mini-lessons" and receive verbal, written and video feedback from the other participants who have been learners in the mini-lessons. Using an intensive experiential learning approach, you are provided with information on the theory and practice of teaching adult learners, the selection and writing of useful learning objectives with accompanying lesson plans, techniques for eliciting learner participation, and suggestions for evaluation of learning. The workshop encourages reflection and examination of one's teaching practices with feedback focused on the learning process rather than on the specific content of the lesson.
This workshop runs as needed. Use the form below to let us know you're interested, and you'll receive an email when the workshop is scheduled.
Workshop request form
Facilitator Development Workshop (FDW)
In-person workshop
The Facilitator Development Workshop (FDW) is designed primarily for individuals who will be conducting the Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) at an institution. It is recommended that you participate in an ISW prior to applying for the FDW. The FDW offers opportunities for professional development in a challenging and supportive atmosphere and provides connections to a larger instructional development network. The FDW is a peer-based model offered within a small group setting in which you get to work on facilitation skills. The small groups meet in plenary sessions each day to explore and discuss themes such as diverse learners, collaborative learning, and feedback models.
This workshop runs as needed. Use the form below to let us know you're interested, and you'll receive an email when the workshop is scheduled.
Workshop request form
