SoTL Scholars Co-op

Center for Teaching Excellence

Abstract graphic about innovation

 

Become a SoTL Scholar

The CTE, in partnership with the Office of the Vice-Provost for Research, is pleased to announce a new research opportunity for faculty: The SoTL Scholars Co-op.

 

  • What is SoTL?

    SoTL is the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, a specific field dedicated to exploring the efficacy and impact of teaching and learning methods in higher education.

    The SoTL Scholars Co-op will collectively determing a SoTL topic of focus to research within their own teaching here at ETSU.

  • Who can apply?

    Any faculty member at ETSU who meets other eligibility requirements (below) may apply.

    Applications are submitted individually; from the submissions, a diverse group of up to 5 Scholars will be selected to create the 2025-2026 Co-op.

    Eligibility Requirements:


    • Tenure-track, promotion track, full professor, or continuous appointment position
    • Commitment to the full length of the program, including meeting on all set meeting dates (see below)
    • Active teaching responsibilities in both semesters of upcoming academic year cycle (2025-2026)
    • Commitment to working collaboratively with a diverse group of faculty interested in exploring teaching and learning in the college setting
  • What SoTL topics can I choose from?

    Our SoTL topical categories are very broad, allowing the Co-op to ultimately refine their study to a meaningful focus.

    When you submit an application, you will be asked to rank-order the following topical categories, based upon your interest:

    • Assessment & grading
    • Active learning methods or strategies
    • Student motivation or engagement
    • Instructor behaviors

    You'll also be asked to explain why your top-ranked category interests you, and what might be happening in your own classes that piques your topical interest.

  • What are the selection criteria?

    Submissions for the Co-op are received individually from interested faculty. From all submissions, a diverse group of 5 faculty will be selected.

    Selection will be based upon:


    • Commonality of interest in SoTL topical category
    • Diversity of disciplinary representation
    • Diversity of seniority levels
    • Diversity of SoTL experience (from none to quite a bit)
  • What will happen?

    Scholars will be announced before the end of the Fall 2024 semester.

    Work among the Co-op will commence in 2 phases, beginning with one Welcome meeting and December, with all other work completed from Spring 2025 through the end of Spring 2026 (approximately 16 months).

    Phase 1

    • Attend SoTL Welcome meeting for new Co-op (December, after classes end)
    • Work Group Intensive (early January, 2 days, blend of in-person collaborative & independent work)
    • Attend 3-4 Co-op meetings during the semester (TBD by Co-op)
    • Submit IRB proposal by May for Fall start to study

    Phase 2

    • Implement SoTL study in your class (Fall)
    • Collect & analyze data
    • Share process and any early results at Exceptional Teaching: Get Inspired event (February of next academic year)
    • Prepare to submit study for publication (and, optional, presentation)
    • Complete a survey about SoTL Scholars Co-op program
  • What agreements must I make?

    2025-2026 applicants should be committed to attending the following sets of dates:

    • Tuesday, December 17, 2025: 2:00 - 4:00 (CTE Lounge) - Co-op Welcome Meeting
      • This Welcome meeting helps orient the team to one another and learn more about the steps of SoTL. The team will begin sharing topical interests.
    • Monday, January 6, 10:00 - 3:00 (CTE Lounge) - Co-op Intensive, Day 1
    • Thursday, January 9, 10:00 - 3:00 (CTE Lounge) - Co-op Intensive, Day 2
      • The Intensive Days will include semi-structured guidance through the process of determining a narrowed topic of focus and developing a study around it. These Intensive Days will help the Co-op begin the work, but it is up to the Co-op to continue the work toward an IRB submission by May.

    In addition, selected Scholars must agree to:

    • Complete all phases with the Co-op
    • Share results in multiple ways:
      • Share early results at the CTE's Exceptional Teaching: Get Inspired event (February, annually). NB: It is unlikely all team members will be available for this event's selected date, when announced. Team members should all assist with presentation development and those available to come may present.
      • Share about the SoTL Scholars Co-op experience and findings at their own department's meetings
      • Develop a beginning draft of at least one manuscript to submit for publication by May of concluding semester
        • Journal for submission is identified
        • Target date of submission is identified
      • Optionally: Submission of study for presentation at a conference

     

    In addition to the SoTL Scholars application, the applicant's department chair/unit head must complete a form supporting the applicant in this SoTL venture, including indicating agreement that time will be given to the applicant to share about the SoTL Scholars Co-op experience and study at a department meeting.

  • What are the benefits of participation?

    There are multiple benefits for those participating in the Co-op:

    Stipends

    • A lead PI will be selected from the Co-op members, based on interest and experience. The lead PI will be responsible for follow-up meeting coordination and ensuring the Co-op's overall progress. For this additional workload, the lead PI will be awarded a stipend of $1500, distributed in 2 parts (after each Phase is successfully completed)
    • All other Co-op members receive a stipend of $1000, distributed in 2 parts (after each Phase is successfully completed)

    Additional Tangibles & Intangibles

    • Create and strengthen a community around SoTL with 4 other faculty from across ETSU
    • Collaboratively complete a research study that is ideally ready for submission to publish
    • Receive up to 2 books to support SoTL research and topical areas of interest
    • Receive recognition at the annual Exceptional Teaching: Get Inspired event

Application Link & Email Memo to Send to Chair

 

Application for SoTL Scholars Co-op

Applications Due: November 24, 2024

 

Use this memo to send to your Chair to request support (includes link to the form they will complete):

 

Email Memo to Request Chair Support

Chairs Form Due: December 2, 2024