In this session, the purpose and structure of an institutional SoTL strategy at a large university that included the important goal of developing learning communities is outlined. The presentation will include the following topics: the impetus for building a broad SoTL strategy through our Teaching & Learning Centre based on identified priorities through an annual planning process; an increasing Provostial focus on encouraging research on teaching; leadership for SoTL activities by award-winning faculty; and increasing requests for SoTL support by faculty. As well, our Teaching & Learning Centre has prioritized SoTL through the hiring of a .5 Research Officer dedicated to SoTL activities. The broader SoTL strategy has also built upon the success of faculty in obtaining Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) funding for projects at our institution and through their support and collaboration with us through coaching and special events.
A recent development in our broad SoTL strategy has been the creation of an SoTL Network. This Network developed from the request of community members who attended an Introductory SoTL workshop and an intensive two-day SoTL institute. In addition to the workshop and institute, the Network activities now include monthly network meetings, an SoTL journal club, and an SoTL Listserv (over 100 members). Much of these SoTL activities have stemmed from expressed needs of the teaching and learning community and our teaching & learning strategic analysis (via evaluation forms, consultations, and our inaugural SoTL network meeting that solicited direction and interest for the monthly network meetings). We refer to our SoTl learning community as a “network” that aims to draw on a broader teaching and learning community and includes the role of ‘experts’ to provide insights and guidance for network members who are seeking specific SoTL advice.
This session will allow us to gain insights from audience members regarding the assessment of an emergent SoTL network. Two key questions will guide our discussion: