SoTL Scholars Program

The SoTL Scholars Program is a year-long professional development initiative for faculty to receive support as they complete a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project from initial concept to publication.  Participants who complete the 2021-2022 course and writing academy will be designated as SoTL Scholars and should have a manuscript ready to submit for publication by June 1, 2022.

We define SoTL as systematic inquiry into student learning and/or one’s own teaching practices in higher education which is situated in context and involves methodologically sound application of appropriate research methods, peer review, and distribution as scholarly work. Click here for more information about SoTL.

The SoTL Scholars Program includes an asynchronous, online course designed to encourage structured engagement and accountability among all participants. It utilizes monthly readings, videos, consultation, and peer review of assignments to provide scaffolding for every stage of the SoTL process, from formation of the research question to dissemination through presentations and publications.  Each module of the course builds on previous modules, mirroring the steps in the SoTL process. Participants who complete all modules are eligible to attend the SoTL Scholars Writing Academy in May 2022, for which they will receive summer funding. SoTL Scholars also will be encouraged to present their work at the annual Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Summit conference in October 2022.

The course is appropriate for those faculty who are brand new to SoTL or those with SoTL experience who seek a supportive community that will provide accountability for project progress and completion. Monthly check-ins will ensure that all participants remain on track to finish their projects over the course of the year. Participants will spend an average of 3-4 hours per month completing the monthly readings and assignments; however, the participant’s research study itself will require additional time outside the course. Participants must also be prepared for intensive work during the first summer of the program as they design their studies, engage with the literature, and develop their IRB proposals.

Click here for a list of recent SoTL Scholars and their projects.

SoTL Scholars Program Timeline:

• January-February 2021: Applications Accepted (Selected Participants Notified in Late February)
• Maymester and Summer 2021: Introduction to SoTL, Study Concept and Design, Initial Literature Review, and IRB Approval
• Fall 2021: Data Collection
• Spring 2022: Data Analysis and Writing
• Maymester 2022: SoTL Scholars Writing Academy and Project Culmination

Application Deadline

Monday, February 1, 2021 - 11:59pm

Amount

Participants in the program will receive course materials including the course text, Engaging in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (Bishop-Clark & Dietz-Uhler, 2013). Participants who attend the SoTL Scholars Writing Academy will receive $1500 in summer salary and a certificate of completion for the course.

Criteria

Participation is competitive and proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:

1. Clear articulation of interest in an area pertaining to student learning and/or teaching at KSU (a fully formed research question is not necessary).
2. Clear articulation of commitment to self-defined practical goals for participation during the course and afterwards.
3. Clear demonstration that the applicant has planned to devote time to participation in the course (i.e., the applicant has a defined plan for managing this project within his/her usual workload and integrating it into his/her research agenda).  

Eligibility

All full-time KSU faculty may apply.

Participants must make their own arrangements to travel to the writing academy site and attend all three days from 8 AM until 5 PM. Note: CETL will not provide compensation for travel or overnight accommodations. The SoTL Scholars Writing Academy is tentatively scheduled for May 17-19, 2022 at the Roswell River Landing (245 Azalea Drive, Roswell, GA).

Selection and Application Process

The Faculty Development Committee (a committee of the Faculty Senate) will review all applications and select participants for the course using this rubric. Collaborative projects are welcomed; however, only the lead author will receive funding. Only the lead author of a collaborative project should submit the application, noting any co-authors on the application.

Each applicant must prepare the following materials and share the cover sheet and application narratives in advance with their supervisor/chair/director:

Statement of Interest (2,000 character max)

Provide a statement of interest that describes 1) an area of interest that focuses on some aspect of student learning and/or teaching at KSU, and 2) your interest in and commitment to engaging in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. If you have a project in mind, please be sure to describe any progress on the project (e.g., Are you just beginning to conceptualize your project or are you ready to collect data? Is this a follow-up to previous work you have done?).

Description of Practical Goals for Participation (2,000 character max)

Describe practical goals for participation during the course and afterwards (e.g., What tangible product(s) do you plan to produce at the culmination of this course?  What are your plans for managing your time so that adequate time is devoted to this course and project?)

Cover Page and Curriculum Vitae

Complete and sign the cover page and obtain the signature of your immediate supervisor. Create a single PDF that includes the completed cover page and your curriculum vitae.

Submission Instructions

A single electronic copy (PDF only) including the cover page and curriculum vitae must be uploaded below as one file. It will be the responsibility of the individual submitting the proposal to ascertain that the proposal materials are complete when submitted (all documents requested are included; no materials missing). The Faculty Development Committee will not consider late or incomplete applications.

1. Fill out the required fields and text areas below.
2. Upload the required PDF file containing both the cover page and curriculum vitae
3. Click “Submit” and when you are ready to submit your application.

If you do not receive the confirmation e-mail, please contact CETL at cetl@kennesaw.edu. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the proposal was received by the deadline.

 

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