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The Difference Between SoTL and Scholarly Teaching

The distinction between scholarly teaching and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is significant, though the two concepts are closely related (Potter & Kustra, 2011): 

Scholarly Teaching: 

  • Focuses on effective teaching practices and their impact on student learning 
  • Involves using evidence-based practices and current research to inform teaching 
  • Aims to directly improve one’s own teaching practice 
  • Is reflective and informed by literature on teaching and learning 

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL): 

  • Involves systematic inquiry into teaching and learning processes 
  • Aims to contribute to the public body of knowledge about teaching and learning 
  • Results in peer-reviewed presentations or publications 
  • Goes beyond improving individual practice to advancing the field of teaching and learning 

 

Diagram with three concentric circles representing levels of teaching: Good Teaching (outer), Scholarly Teaching (middle), and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (inner).

Hutchings and Shulman (1999) emphasize that SoTL goes beyond scholarly teaching by developing and implementing publishable studies, while scholarly teaching involves classroom assessment and evidence gathering informed by current ideas about teaching. 

Still not entirely sure of the difference? View this video to find out more (UNC Center for Faculty Excellence, 2018).  

 

 

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