Attendees of the SoTL writing retreat held in Welkom.

The Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) recently held a successful three-day Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) writing retreat at Welkom Campus, bringing together passionate academics committed to advancing teaching through research.

Facilitated by Professor Petro Du Preez from Stellenbosch University, an extraordinary professor in Curriculum Studies and NRF C2-rated scholar, the retreat provided focused mentorship in academic writing and research development. With over 15 years of experience in curriculum transformation and academic development, Prof. Du Preez’s leadership was a highlight of the retreat. Her expert guidance provided participants with invaluable mentorship in academic writing and research refinement.

The event forms part of CILT’s ongoing strategic efforts to support academics in publishing SoTL-related research. For many participants, it was more than just a writing retreat, it was a platform for collaboration, idea generation, and academic community building. “The retreat has boosted my confidence in academic writing, sparked new article ideas, and highlighted the importance of collaboration and community among scholars. It reminded me about the power of supportive academic friendships,” said Mfundo Khoza, lecturer in Business Support Studies.

Dr. Xolani Khohliso, Director of CASD and Head of SoTL applauded attendees for investing time in their scholarly growth. He emphasised the broader impact of SoTL research on enhancing teaching and learning across disciplines. “SoTL research does not just enhance teaching, it creates platforms to share real classroom innovations and successes they are developing in their classrooms,” he said.

He also encouraged participants to present their work at the upcoming 11th International SoTL Conference, set to take place at the Bloemfontein Campus from 8-10 October 2025. He added, “with over 100 abstracts already received from 12 universities across South Africa and the diaspora, this year’s conference promises to be a vibrant showcase of teaching excellence. Selected papers developed during the retreat will be featured in a special conference issue.”

As CUT celebrates over a decade of SoTL, the retreat and upcoming conference reflect the university’s deep commitment to advancing scholarly teaching, building community, and sharing best practices across disciplines. It also marks a significant milestone in its journey to strengthen teaching and learning through research.