HERDSA Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Modules (SoTL)

The aim of the HERDSA Scholarship of Teaching & Learning modules is to start those new to SoTL on their journey by introducing the nature, purpose and processes of SoTL.

The modules have been specifically designed for the HERDSA community. Included are videos of prominent Australian and New Zealand HERDSA members contributing their valuable SoTL insight. The modules are also relevant for international scholars, acting as a capacity building resource to assist to develop and refine your SoTL knowledge and skills.

1. For individual users:

• The programme is free for HERDSA financial members

Got to the HERDSA website (www.herdsa.org.au). Click on member login at the top of the page

Enter your email and the password you created when you signed up for HERDSA membership or create an account. Click on MY DASHBOARD at the top of the page. On the right hand side of the page click on SOTL MODULES.

1. For Institutional Licences

• If your institution wishes to purchase a licence for the programme, contact the HERDSA Office for price and log-in details.

Overview of the Modules

Module 1 | Learning to Speak SoTL

Overview: the aim of this module is to introduce you to the nature and purpose of SOTL. We will explain why you would pursue SoTL, and provide examples of the types of learning and teaching that could investigate as SoTL projects.

Module outcomes:

• Define the concept of scholarly teaching and learning (SoTL)
• Understand why you would pursue SoTL
• Describe the nature of SoTL and provide examples of the types of issues that you could investigate as SoTL projects​
• Identify the spaces in which SoTL can be pursued

Module 2 | Conceptualising a SoTL Project

Overview: The aim of this module is to help you conceptualise your SoTL project through a process of generating ideas, conducting a literature review and determining your research questions. Ethical considerations of your research project will also be covered, including how to write your ethics proposal.

Module Outcomes:

• Generate ideas for the focus of your research project
• Explore processes for locating and critiquing literature relevant to your research project
• Determine your research question
• Writing your research project plan

Module 3 | Designing and Conducting a SoTL Project

Overview: The aim of this module is to familiarise you with a range of data collection methods and processes by which you can analyse and draw conclusions about your findings

Module Outcomes:

• Choose the appropriate data collection method based on the research question you want to answer
• Choose the appropriate data collection method taking into account time, resources, expertise and availability of data
• Identify key characteristics of a well constructed survey
• Recognise major interviewing pitfalls
• Justify the complexity of statistical analysis employed
• Undertake coding processes to analyse qualitative data

Module 4 | Writing up SoTL findings

Overview: The aim of this module is to provide you with some support and guidance as you begin the process of writing up the findings of your SoTL research.​

Module Outcomes:

• Reflect on who you are as a SoTL researcher
• Focus thinking around aspects of your completed SoTL project
• Identify the components of and practice writing an academic abstract
• Become aware of the key aspects and structure of a piece of SoTL writing.

Module 5 | Disseminating SoTL Findings

Overview: The aim of this module is to introduce you to the spaces in which SoTL can be shared, and made public. The Module further aims to assist you to select a journal in which to publish your SoTL work.

Module Outcomes:

• Identify the variety of spaces in which SoTL work can be made public;
• Reflect on motivations for publishing;
• Investigate the strategies used to select a journal to submit a manuscript​