Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL)
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning is a growing movement in post-secondary education. SOTL is a scholarly inquiry into student learning which advances the practice of teaching by making research findings public.
SOTL builds on many past traditions in higher education, including classroom and program assessment, K-12 action research, the reflective practice movement, peer review of teaching, traditional educational research, and faculty development efforts to enhance teaching and learning. Terms closely related to the scholarship of teaching and learning are good teaching (that which promotes student learning and desired outcomes and is recognized by student satisfaction, peer review, etc.) and scholarly teaching (in which teaching is regarded as an area of study and the teaching and learning knowledge base is regarded as an additional discipline in which to develop expertise).
Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW)
In-person workshop
The Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) is an internationally recognized program that provides participants with opportunities to explore their teaching practice through experiential learning. This workshop is designed for new and experienced educators alike. As part of the ISW process, participants deliver mini-lessons and receive peer feedback from fellow participants. In this model, feedback relates directly to the learning experiences of participants and is not formally evaluated. The ISW is a unique opportunity to explore several aspects of teaching, from designing lesson plans, developing assessment devices, managing time, managing group process to experimenting with new approaches, all with the support and feedback of colleagues, and with the guidance of experienced UFV facilitators.
If you are looking for experience in developing and delivering engaging and participatory lessons and want to test-drive new ideas, then ISW is for you.
Upcoming workshops:
- December 12-15, 2024, Abbotsford campus
- February 18-21, 2025, Abbotsford campus
Sign up today for one of our upcoming ISW offerings.
Workshop request form
Facilitator Development Workshop (FDW)
In-person workshop
The Facilitator Development Workshop (FDW) is the second level of training within the Instructional Skills Workshop program. Building on ISW experiences around teaching effectiveness, the FDW offers participants the opportunity to build facilitation skills within the ISW context. Participants deliver mini-lessons and receive peer-feedback but also manage the feedback process. This experiential learning approach provides space to learn new facilitation approaches and receive feedback from colleagues. Like the ISW, learning in the FDW is not formally evaluated.
The FDW is designed for those who will be delivering Instructional Skills Workshops at their own institution. Successful participants will become ISW Facilitators. Others interested in facilitation may also find this workshop helpful.
Completion of the ISW is a requirement for participation in the FDW.
Upcoming workshops:
- December 2-6, 2024, Abbotsford campus
- April 7-11, 2025, Chilliwack campus
- June 23-27, 2025, Abbotsford campus
Sign up today for an upcoming FDW guided by experienced UFV facilitators.
Workshop request form
Trainer Development Workshop (TDW)
In-person workshop
The Trainer Development Workshop (TDW) is the third and final level of training within the Instructional Skills Workshop program. Successful completion of the TDW provides participants with the tools to offer FDW sessions at their own institutions as an FDW Facilitator. Using an apprentice model, TDW participants assist the trainer in all aspects of FDW delivery, receive feedback from FDW participants and trainer, and engage in reflective practice.
Completion of the FDW and experience with delivering ISW sessions is a requirement for participation in the TDW.
Please reach out to tlcevents@ufv.ca to inquire about TDW opportunities at UFV.
Workshop request form
