SoTL Luncheon Highlights Importance of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
On May 28, UM educators and scholars gathered for a luncheon to celebrate the significance of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), hosted by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic). The 2024 SoTL Luncheon aimed to shed light on the transformative power of SoTL work and foster collaborations in this vital field.
In his opening address, Dr. Mark Torchia, Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning), emphasized the pivotal role of SoTL in advancing educational practices. Dr. Torchia noted that “SoTL is not just about teaching; it’s about understanding how students learn and using that knowledge to enrich their educational journey, by addressing the challenges and opportunities associated with teaching diverse student populations with varying backgrounds, while creating connections and building partnerships and filling them out with humanistic and progressive aspirations and relational rather than purely informational content.”
Dr. Janice Miller-Young delivered the keynote address. Dr. Miller-Young described her evolving approach teaching engineering students and advocated for the integration of research and practice to drive pedagogical innovation. Dr. Miller-Young shared how her research focuses on improving students’ sense of belonging to the professional field. Her ideas resonated with the audience and ignited a discussion about emotional and cognitive planes of engineering education.
The luncheon ended with a panel of UM scholars who shared insights from their respective SoTL projects, showcasing the diverse applications and impactful outcomes of their scholarly inquiries. Drs. Aleksandra Glogowska, Nicole Harder, and Kathy Block, and engineering doctoral student Jeff Paul shared their challenges, triumphs and enthusiasm for SoTL studies.
As dialogues unfolded and ideas intertwined, it was apparent that SoTL is more than just an academic pursuit: SoTL serves as a catalyst for continuous improvement in higher education. The SoTL Luncheon created a space for discussion, cooperation, and motivation, reaffirming the dedication of educators and scholars to enhance teaching and learning practices through rigorous inquiry and reflective practice.
Dr. Janet Cape, SoTL Developer at The Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning, closed the event by reiterating The University of Manitoba’s unwavering support for SoTL initiatives, pledging to foster an environment conducive to innovation and excellence in teaching and learning: “By investing in SoTL, we invest in the future of education.”
Learn more
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Support Fund provides opportunities for professors, instructors and librarians to meaningfully engage in SoTL research projects that increase knowledge in pedagogy and learning. Find more information about the program and download application forms on the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) UM Intranet site.
