Offering Collaborative Opportunities as a Pathway to Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Research Participation

The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is the systematic study of teaching and learning and the public dissemination of findings. Despite the numerous benefits of SoTL at multiple levels, there are significant challenges to participation, particularly within the Canadian college and polytechnic context. Common barriers that contribute to lower SoTL participation in the Canadian college and polytechnic context include a lack of faculty time for scholarly activities, institutional culture and support for scholarly activities, and limited research experience among faculty members. Through a brief introduction to the literature on this topic and our own experience running a group SoTL project, we aim to shine a light on how offering collaborative opportunities can improve scholarly participation at multiple levels of engagement as well as contribute to the formation of a SoTL community of practice. By embracing a collective approach to SoTL, educators can not only develop professionally but also foster a scholarly community that encourages innovation and improves learning outcomes across diverse educational contexts.