Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
The Central University of Technology launched the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) initiative in 2014 through the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG).
SoTL is a research-led form of professional learning aimed at unearthing and contributing to the knowledge base of teaching and learning. Located within the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT), the initiative drives continuous improvement in academic practice.
Purpose and Aims
Primary Purpose
- Improve the quality of teaching and learning through systematic inquiry and research.
- Encourage academics to reflect on their practices through scholarly research.
- Enable academic staff to actively contribute to the ongoing conversation about teaching and learning within their disciplines.
- Contribute to increasing research outputs for the institution.
- Create Communities of Practice (CoPs) to collaborate on specific domains of learning and teaching.
Strategic Aims
- Promote scholarly teaching by sharing good practices with national and international peers through conferences.
- Create a platform for staff development to promote quality learning and teaching through colloquia, workshops, and seminars.
- Mentor staff on writing for publications to increase institutional research outputs.
- Enhance the quality of teaching and learning in alignment with the Council on Higher Education (CHE) Quality Enhancement Project (QEP).
The Impact of SoTL
The impact of SoTL on teaching and learning at CUT has been phenomenal. This is evident in the growing number of participants in workshops, colloquia, and conferences, as well as the steady increase in research outputs.
The UCDG has made it possible for academics to attend national and international conferences, fostering a culture of excellence that has resulted in three distinct tiers of pedagogical development:
1. Good Teaching
Teaching that actively promotes student learning and achieves positive student outcomes.
2. Scholarly Teaching
Teaching that is supported by a body of research to continuously increase its effectiveness.
3. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
The combination of reflection and knowledge which yields new, researchable questions about teaching for formal study.
Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT)
Curriculum and Academic Staff Development (CASD)
Special Projects (Teaching and Learning)