The power of social networks: A model for weaving the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning into institutional culture

This paper offers a guide for those seeking to integrate the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) into higher education institutions to improve the quality of student learning. The authors posit that weaving SoTL into institutional cultures requires the coordinated actions of individuals working in linked social networks rather than individuals acting in isolation. Analyzing both the barriers and potential pathways to integrating SoTL into institutional cultures, the authors provide a conceptual model along with examples of practical strategies for overcoming resistance to change within institutions. The paper provides examples from a variety of different international contexts to show how incentives and other non-coercive measures can motivate faculty and administrators to weave SoTL into institutional fabrics. Drawing on social network theory and the concept of communities of practice, the paper presents a model with attendant strategies for disseminating SoTL values and practices across all three levels of postsecondary institutions: the micro, the meso, and the macro. The authors argue that for SoTL to take root in organizational cultures, there must be 1) effective communication and dissemination of SoTL activity across all levels, 2) well established social networks and links between these levels (nodes), and 3) sustained support by senior administration. The authors conclude by suggesting ways their model could be tested

What does it mean to teach? : an arts-based existential exploration with pre-service teachers

Teacher education is a “significant site of adult learning” (Butterwick, 2014). It can also be a place where neo-liberal ideas about how children 'come into presence' in the world are perpetuated. Alternatively, it can be a place where an existential view is adopted with very different outcomes for both teacher candidates and the children in their care. In particular, an existential pedagogy values self-worth and takes into account the individuality of learners as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach. Using Gert Biesta’s conceptualization of teaching as existential, this study explored pre-service teachers’ beliefs about what it means to teach and pursued the following questions: 1) What are pre-service teachers’ understandings of what it means to be a teacher and to teach? 2) How are explorations of existential questions facilitated by an arts-based approach and an art exchange? 3) What possibilities might existentialism offer to pre-service teachers and teacher education programs? The analysis suggests ways in which existentialism might be enacted to the benefit of teacher candidates, teacher education, and the children within our schools. Outcomes of the study include: the importance of exploring and interrogating one’s understandings of what it means to be a teacher and to teach; the potential of existentialism to create space within teacher education for better understanding the individuality of every person; and the possibilities presented by allowing children to bring their ‘newness into the world.’Education, Faculty ofEducational Studies (EDST), Department ofGraduat

"Building Peace" through quiltmaking : the role of participatory artistic quiltmaking in supporting peacebuilding among grade 4-7 youth

This thesis explored how participatory artistic quiltmaking contributed to peacebuilding as defined by Bickmore (2004) among grade 4, 5, 6, and 7 students in one classroom at an inner-city elementary school in Vancouver, BC. Using Bickmore’s (2004) frame, the following questions were explored: 1. What makes participatory artistic quiltmaking an effective vehicle for grade 4, 5, 6, and 7 students to engage in peacebuilding? 2. How are peacekeeping, peacemaking, and peacebuilding evident in the experiences, processes, and interactions among the participants involved in the project? 3. How does Bickmore’s frame provide an adequate theorization for understanding the experiences and processes among the participants involved in the project? 4. How does the data gathered in this project challenge and extend Bickmore’s frame? This study was composed of three parts: (1) ethnographic observations to understand issues in the school from a social justice perspective; (2) participatory artistic quiltmaking on the theme of inclusion and exclusion with one class of participants including students, the classroom teacher, educational assistant, volunteer quiltmaker, and me; (3) interviews with participants and parents. Analysis of the data revealed several themes. The artistic component of the quiltmaking process contributed to three outcomes: (1) the fostering of individuality and collectivity among participants; (2) the fostering of self expression; and (3) the fostering of creativity. The participatory component contributed to three outcomes: (1) the fostering of group development; (2) the fostering of a sense of inclusion; and (3) the connecting of personal experiences and stories to the theme of inclusion and exclusion. The quiltmaking process contributed to three outcomes: (1) it promoted a shift in perspective about others, which fostered new and deeper relationships; (2) it fostered confidence and pride; and (3) it fostered a sense of hope and hope for peace while sending a larger message or statement. These outcomes demonstrate peacemaking and peacebuilding, as defined by Bickmore. The findings from this study have implications for administrators involved in curriculum development, particularly in peace education; teachers involved in supporting social justice; policy makers involved in developing school policies; and individuals who conduct community-based participatory research in school-based settings with youth.Education, Faculty ofCurriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department ofGraduat

Students as Co-Inquirers (Special Section Guest Editors' Introduction)

Guest Editors' Introduction to the Students as Co-Inquirers Special Sectio

Students’ perceptions of ISSOTL: Insights, challenges, and aspirations

Presentation given at the 2017 ISSOTL conference, Calgary, Canada

Teaching Assistant Competencies in Canada: Building a Framework for Practice Together

This paper examines the stages of development for a framework of teaching assistant (TA) competencies initiated by the Teaching Assistant and Graduate Student Advancement (TAGSA) special interest group (SIG) of the Society of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE). TAGSA initiated an iterative consultative process to inform the creation of the competencies that sought input from the STLHE community on four occasions. At each stage of the consultations, the competencies were formed and re-formed, their purpose and value debated, and the challenges of creating a development framework recognized. This process, described in this paper, resulted in a clear, succinct and flexible framework that can be used across institutions in multiple contexts

Students as co-inquirers (special section guest editors' introduction)

Guest Editors' Introduction to the Students as Co-Inquirers Special Section &nbsp

The Power of Social Networks: A Model for Weaving the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning into Institutional Culture

This paper offers a guide for those seeking to integrate the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) into higher education institutions to improve the quality of student learning. The authors posit that weaving SoTL into institutional cultures requires the coordinated actions of individuals working in linked social networks rather than individuals acting in isolation. Analyzing both the barriers and potential pathways to integrating SoTL into institutional cultures, the authors provide a conceptual model along with examples of practical strategies for overcoming resistance to change within institutions. The paper provides examples from a variety of different international contexts to show how incentives and other non-coercive measures can motivate faculty and administrators to weave SoTL into institutional fabrics. Drawing on social network theory and the concept of communities of practice, the paper presents a model with attendant strategies for disseminating SoTL values and practices across all three levels of postsecondary institutions: the micro, the meso, and the macro. The authors argue that for SoTL to take root in organizational cultures, there must be 1) effective communication and dissemination of SoTL activity across all levels, 2) well established social networks and links between these levels (nodes), and 3) sustained support by senior administrationThe authors conclude by suggesting ways their model could be tested

Success in Student-Faculty/Staff SoTL Partnerships: Motivations, Challenges, Power, and Definitions

Partnerships with students are considered one of the principles of good Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) practice. However, not all partnerships are equally successful. What characteristics are common to successful partnerships and what preparatory elements can lead toward more successful partnerships? In this article, our team of graduate students, educational developers, and faculty members engage in detailed self-reflection on our past and ongoing SoTL projects as an inquiry into what it means to be in a successful student-faculty/staff partnership. Using thematic analysis, we identify and describe four distinct domains that can shape partnerships: (1) motivations to participate, (2) challenges, (3) power, and (4) definitions of success. The article concludes with a set of questions to stimulate initial and ongoing conversations between partners to guide new partnerships in defining the parameters for success in their proposed collaboration. Les partenariats avec les étudiants sont considérés comme l’un des principes de bonne pratique de l’Avancement des connaissances en enseignement et en apprentissage (ACEA). Toutefois, tous les partenariats ne connaissent pas le même succès. Quelles sont les caractéristiques communes des partenariats réussis et quels sont les éléments préparatoires qui peuvent aboutir à des partenariats mieux réussis? Dans cet article, notre groupe, consistant d’étudiants de cycles supérieurs, de conseillers pédagogiques et de professeurs, se lance dans une auto-réflexion détaillée sur nos projets passés et présents en ACEA qui constitue une enquête sur ce que cela signifie de faire partie d’un partenariat réussi entre étudiants, professeurs et membres du personnel. Par le biais de l’analyse thématique, nous identifions et décrivons quatre domaines distincts qui façonnent les partenariats : 1) la motivation à participer, 2) les défis, 3) le pouvoir et 4) les définitions de la réussite. En conclusion, nous posons un groupe de questions pour stimuler les conversations initiales et continues entre les divers partenaires afin de guider les nouveaux partenariats à définir les paramètres menant à la réussite dans leur collaboration proposée