Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL)

The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) at Western Carolina University (WCU) is a university-wide initiative focusing upon the mission and aspirations of the university.

The purpose of SoTL at Western is to:

• • Improve student learning
  • Renew faculty teaching and professional development
  • Deepen collegiality among all sectors of the university community
  • Feature WCU’s mission as the epitome of academic life at the university, thereby enhancing WCU’s reputation for excellence in educational enthusiasm, experience, and outcomes

SoTL Academy

The SoTL Academy began in Spring 2025. This three-component program is designed to elevate the value of the SoTL by fostering a deeper intellectual engagement with teaching, reflective practice, and the positive impact these efforts have on students, faculty, and the broader WCU community. Grounded in evidence that meaningful SoTL work requires sustained guidance and development, the year‑long academy offers a comprehensive, wrap‑around structure that supports faculty from project conception through dissemination. Through this approach, participants gain the education, connection, and encouragement needed to overcome common barriers and successfully share their work through publications, presentations, and other scholarly outlets.

Its three core components include:

• Faculty Learning Community: a supportive cohort model that cultivates shared inquiry and peer learning.
• SoTL Design Institute: structured guidance to help faculty design rigorous, meaningful SoTL projects.
• Learning & Write Collaborative: dedicated space for writing, feedback, and sustained progress toward dissemination.

SoTL Faculty Learning Community

The SoTL FLC is led by April Tallant and CFC Faculty Fellows Darby Hallyburton and Darby Harris.

This FLC, organized and implemented by the Coulter Faculty Commons, challenges SoTL Scholars to develop and conduct SoTL research within a supportive community of like-minded faculty. During FLC meetings throughout the academic year, participants gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to conduct classroom-focused research that enhances student engagement and learning. More specifically, members learn from experienced SoTL practitioners, develop their ideas for SoTL research, and work in small groups and partnerships to support each other and successfully complete their SoTL projects. The focus of this FLC is primarily developed by the participants and may include topics such as SoTL research question formulation, literature review, study design, IRB application, data collection and analysis, and outcomes dissemination.

FLC Schedule:

• Spring 2025: February 7, February 14, February 21, March 21, and April 4.
• The next SoTL FLC will begin in August 2026. Reach out to April Tallant (atallant@wcu.edu) for more information.

SoTL Resources

• • Encouraging the Use of Collaborative Learning in Higher Education, Theodore Panitz & Patricia Panitz
  • SoTL in Action: Illuminating Critical Moments of Practice, Nancy Chick
  • Principles of Good Practice in SoTL, Peter Felton
  • The SoTL Guide, Elon University, Center for Engaged Learning
  • The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning In and Across the Disciplines, Kathleen McKinney, Nancy Chick
  • Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Research Guide, Western Carolina University
  • Teaching and Learning Conferences, Elon University

Human Subjects and SoTL Research

• • WCU’s Office of Research Administration

CFC SoTL Blog Posts