Designing a SoTL research project
A systematic design process is essential for meaningful, robust SoTL research. It ensures that the study is well-structured, rigorous, reliable and connected to the improvement of student learning. CSoTL encourages the multi-step approach to planning and designing a SoTL project.
CSoTL project planning template
CSoTL has developed a useful project planning template to provide a structured framework for guiding scholars through the essential steps in designing a SoTL project. It ensures that critical steps are considered such as developing research questions, data collection and analysis methods, connecting to relevant literature, and planning achievable timelines for your study.
sotl project planning template
By following the steps outlined in the project planning template, you will also generate essential information required for ethics applications and, if applicable, funding proposals. It is important to establish if your study will require ethics approval before you proceed with data collection.
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Getting started
SoTL research typically beings with finding a researchable question. Often our key questions arise from teaching experiences, observations, and direct interactions with students. Institutional challenges, such as resource allocation, accountability, technology adoption, and student diversity, also drive our inquiries.
Consider the following aspects related to teaching and learning, and areas where you may find inspiration to develop a SoTL research question:
- Something that is meaningful to you
- A compelling idea
- A problem, concern or hunch
- Something you’ve observed in your classroom
- An innovation to try in your classroom
For support in the subsequent steps in the planning process, check out our SoTL resources page and feel free contact us for a consultation today.