This chapter briefly describes the SoTL research development program and context at Mount Royal University, reports initial results from a study of the program's impact on participants' teaching and scholarly activities, and situates the findings regarding individual impact, department-level impact, institution-level impact, and discipline-level…

Pedagogical inquiry on teaching and learning in higher education is best served by methodological approaches that produce purposeful questions and engage in systematic analysis. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)

An author of the 14th issue of this journal, which was devoted to group-based pedagogical approaches to college instruction, traces the continuing development of collaborative or cooperative learning. Notes influence of the original volume on guidelines of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education and the Collaboration in…

In higher education, there is distinction between what is valued as scholarship and the pragmatic needs of the larger world. In the dominant view of scholarship, research and theory are superior to practice. An alternative view is that, in many fields, knowledge emerges from the complexity and rigors of practice. (Author/MSE)

Identifies the problems and challenges of large lecture-class-format college classes and offers empirical and theoretical rationales for moving to approaches that emphasize small-group learning. Cites research showing small groups promote cognitive elaboration, enhance critical thinking, provide feedback, promote social and emotional development,…

Approaches to developing teaching assistant programs are discussed, based on the organizational change literature. Five models are identified: rational planning, social interaction, human problem solving, political models, and a research and development approach. Political processes often can be blended with social interaction and problem-solving…

Reviews recent research on student learning and motivation and applies conclusions to college instruction. Examines findings and instructional implications of the behaviorist model, the cognitive model, metacognition, learner-centered models, the unique learner, and motivation from a learning perspective. Concludes that the biggest variable in…

Review of recent research on effective teaching examines six areas of higher education teaching: (1) teaching dimensions and behaviors; (2) teaching considerations (including instructional design, methods, and teaching styles); (3) teaching and motivation; (4) teaching and teacher assessment and evaluation; (5) teaching technologies; and (6)…