Unexpected lessons from adopting scholarship of teaching and learning practices: collaboration, curriculum, and department culture

Abstract

In an effort to implement scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) practices in our teaching, we identified several unexpected but important lessons that went beyond classroom instruction. First, we discuss SoTL within the context of higher education and how SoTL practices may respond to critiques of higher education.  Next, we discuss our own experience with SoTL in terms that extend beyond classroom teaching and learning.  The unexpected lessons pertain to collaboration, curriculum, and departmental culture.  Collaboration can promote a response to the increasing isolation in higher education. Curriculum can be developed that responds to the fragmentation of the Kinesiology subdisciplines by promoting integration.  Departmental culture can be enhanced when collaborative SoTL practices are supported. In conclusion, the SoTL makes evident the need for integration of the subdisciplines of kinesiology in order to promote the noble purposes of higher education.