Home / Academics / Academic Innovation / Center for Innovation / Scholarship of Teaching and Learning What is SoTL? The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is a purposeful, systematic exploration of how students learn and how educators can improve that experience. It’s about using research and reflection to enhance teaching practices and student outcomes—both in and beyond the classroom. The Foundation: Boyer’s Vision The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is grounded in the work of Ernest L. Boyer (1990), who recognized a growing emphasis on teaching quality and student outcomes in higher education. His vision empowered faculty to approach teaching with the same scholarly rigor they bring to their disciplines, posing questions, conducting research, testing strategies, and analyzing results to improve student learning. Today, SoTL extends beyond the classroom, supporting the efforts of faculty, staff, and institutional leaders to explore what truly supports student success. Why it Matters? Faculty and staff engaged in SoTL are driven by a shared commitment to improving student outcomes. Through reflective inquiry and evidence-based exploration, they ask essential questions that guide their work and shape institutional progress: What helps students learn, persist, and thrive? How can we improve courses, programs, and campus-wide initiatives? What strategies lead to measurable student success? What does SoTL look like? SoTL is not just a concept—it’s a dynamic and practical approach to improving student success. Faculty and staff engaged in SoTL use their curiosity and expertise to explore what works, ask meaningful questions, and apply research-informed strategies to real challenges. These efforts span classrooms, programs, and campus-wide initiatives, all with the goal of helping students learn, persist, and thrive. Investigating Student Learning Explore what helps students engage, understand, and succeed. Redesigning Courses and Programs Improve learning experiences through intentional, research-informed design. Leading Campus-Wide Initiatives Collaborate on efforts that support student persistence and completion. Measuring and Sharing Impact Use data to evaluate success and share findings with the broader community. SoTL at Jackson College At Jackson College, SoTL is more than a concept—it’s a growing movement to elevate teaching, learning, and student success through inquiry and collaboration. We’re launching our SoTL initiative with a strong foundation: Kickoff at Fall Faculty Learning Days Our SoTL journey begins with a dedicated session during Fall Faculty Learning Days. This event will introduce the purpose, potential, and pathways of SoTL to our campus community. Exploring SoTL Together Faculty and staff will have opportunities to explore what SoTL looks like in practice—whether through classroom-based inquiry, program evaluation, or institutional improvement efforts. Collaboration with the Faculty Professional Development Committee In partnership with the Faculty Professional Development Committee, we’re developing a series of conversations, seminars, and support structures to help educators engage with SoTL meaningfully and confidently. Resources International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (IJ-SoTL) A peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to the dissemination of SoTL articles across disciplines. learn more Teaching & Learning Inquiry (TLI) The official journal of the International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL). Publishes a wide range of SoTL work. learn more Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (JoSoTL) Another key open-access journal publishing SoTL research and promoting effective practices in higher education. learn more Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Innovative Pedagogy (SoTLIP) An Interdisciplinary Journal of Discovery, Reflection, and Evidence-Based Higher Education Teaching/Learning Methods and Research, Focusing on Innovative Pedagogy. learn more Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology Features teacher-ready reviews of current research and contemporary theories as well as empirical research designed to foster systematic intentional changes to improve teaching and learning outcomes. learn more College Teaching Focuses on practical strategies and innovations for improving student learning at the college level. learn more Active Learning in Higher Education Publishes articles on research and practice related to active learning methodologies. learn more Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice Directly addresses issues of student persistence and attrition. learn more Journal of Effective Teaching in Higher Education An open access electronic peer-reviewed journal that advances the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) focused on institutions of higher education. learn more Teaching in Higher Education Publishes scholarly work that critically examines and interrogates the values and presuppositions underpinning teaching. learn more Contact Newberry, Brian Executive Director, Center for Innovation newberrbrianw@jccmi.edu 517.990.1368 Meet Brian Howell, Sonja Instructional Designer & Developer howellsonjal@jccmi.edu 517.796.8520 Meet Sonja
Newberry, Brian Executive Director, Center for Innovation newberrbrianw@jccmi.edu 517.990.1368 Meet Brian
