Becoming A scholarship in teaching and learning scholar - book overview

The Centre for Engaged Learning at Elon University, North Carolina has published an open access book - Becoming a SoTL scholar.

The book is edited by Janice Miller-Young and Nancy L. Chick.

After the introductory chapter (Chapter 1) - developing sustained SoTL journeys and identities by the editors, the book has 17 more chapters, organised into 4 sections. 

Section 1 has chapters on 'beginning a SoTL-centric career. There are 5 chapters in this section. Each worth reading. with one chapter (chapter 6) set in an Australian context.

Section 2 covers 'shifting focus towards a SoTL agenda'. This section has 5 chapters including a chapter (Chapter 9) by H.L. Marsh and E. De Courcy on - from industry to SoTL: Making the case for taking the leap.

Section 3 - sustaining SoTL engagement has 4 chapters detailing the challenges and supports required to engage in SoTL through the academic career.

Section 4 - becoming a SoTL scholar has 2 chapters. The book closes with the last chapter as an editors' epilogue.

The book is worth dipping in and out of. Although much of the work is in the North American contexts and with Westernised perspectives, there is much across the many chapters in the book to inform the development and nurturing of SoTL practices. Of note is how many academics 'fall into' SoTL, gain interest and passion from the processes of SoTL'. There is also need to have formalised and planned support for SoTL has in doing, SoTL leads to enriched academic careers, enhanced outcomes for learners, and contributes much to our understanding of learning and development.