SoTL at Georgia Southern University
At Georgia Southern, SoTL is more than a concept—it’s a thriving, faculty-driven initiative supported by the Faculty Center. The university has earned national and international recognition for its leadership in advancing SoTL through:
Understanding the SoTL
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is a research-based approach to improving classroom practices and student outcomes. By systematically studying teaching methods, analyzing data, and sharing results through peer-reviewed publication, SoTL empowers faculty to enhance learning across disciplines and contribute to the broader academic community.
What is SoTL?
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is a systematic approach to studying, improving, and sharing best practices in teaching. Unlike reflective or scholarly teaching alone, SoTL involves:
- Asking critical questions about teaching and learning
- Collecting and analyzing evidence
- Applying existing research
- Refining instructional practices
- Sharing findings through peer-reviewed publication
“The purpose of SoTL is not just to impact student learning, but to contribute to the broader knowledge base on teaching and learning.” — Bishop-Clark & Dietz-Uhler, 2012
Why SoTL?
SoTL empowers educators across disciplines to enhance learning outcomes and transform the classroom. Faculty explore questions like:
- What strategies most effectively engage students?
- How do different learners respond to different pedagogies?
- What evidence supports improvements in student performance?
“There is scholarly research to be done on teaching and learning… and it must be conducted by academics from all disciplines.” — David Pace, American Historical Review
SoTL Commons Conference
Held annually since 2007, the SoTL Commons Conference brings together educators from around the world to present innovative research in teaching and learning. With attendees from over 90 institutions and 12 countries, the conference fosters global collaboration and practical insight into classroom success.
Learn More About the SoTL Commons Conference
I really like that I can use my classroom for research—and that my research directly improves student learning.”
International Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ijSoTL)
Launched in 2007, ijSoTL is Georgia Southern’s peer-reviewed, open-access journal. It gives faculty the opportunity to publish and review rigorous SoTL research with global reach. As of April 2024, the journal has:
- 888,725 downloads
- Contributions from 22,407 institutions worldwide
“IJ-SoTL is a vital outlet for sharing SoTL findings and amplifying the voice of Georgia Southern on the international stage.” — Dr. Nikki di Gregorio
History of SoTL
Founded in 2007 under the leadership of Dr. Alan Altany, “SoTL at Southern” was established to support faculty in developing research-informed teaching practices. Its foundational pillars include:
- The SoTL Commons Conference
- The ijSoTL journal
- Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs)
“It was the dawning of the age of SoTL.” — Dr. Alan Altany
These three pillars have positioned Georgia Southern as a leader in faculty development and pedagogical research.
SoTL Faculty Learning Communities
FLCs are small, interdisciplinary groups of faculty who explore shared SoTL interests. These communities offer:
- A collaborative space for research and discussion
- Mentorship and professional development
- A launchpad for publishing and presenting SoTL work
“(SoTL has made me) much more aware of the effectiveness of the teaching strategies I use.” — Dr. Adrienne Cohen
SoTL Mentorship & Recognition
Georgia Southern’s Faculty Center supports new and experienced SoTL scholars through:
- Mentorship programs
- Institutional and system-wide awards
- Research funding and resources
The SoTL Advisory Board, composed of engaged faculty, helps guide and assess these initiatives to ensure meaningful impact.
SoTL played a pivotal role in developing and evolving my teaching skills, optimizing my students’ learning environment.”
Connect with SoTL
Whether you’re new to SoTL or a seasoned scholar, Georgia Southern offers robust support, a strong scholarly community, and global platforms to elevate your teaching research. Explore SoTL programs, attend the SoTL Commons Conference, and join a Faculty Learning Community today.
Faculty Center
Email: facultycenter@georgiasouthern.edu
Statesboro Campus
Cone Hall, Second Floor
Phone: 912-478-0049
Fax: 912-478-0099
Armstrong Campus
Solms Hall, Suite 211
Phone: 912-344-3607