Fifteen University of Minnesota Crookston faculty and staff members joined a Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) cohort during the fall of 2024 as part of a year-long program designed to encourage the investigation of student learning experiences, to collect data on learning outcomes, and publish results. The cohort meets monthly under the leadership of Jeff Lindgren, Ph.D., associate director of the Center for Educational Innovation for the University of Minnesota.
Lindgren further explained the group’s work by seeking answers to questions such as: Which teaching methods are the most effective? How can we engage students and promote student belonging? How can I engage in rigorous research in my classes in order to know the extent to which the changes I am making are helping students learn? How can my research on teaching contribute to the literature in ways that inform other instructors?
U of M Crookston members of the cohort include Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education Department faculty Megan Bell, Ph.D. and Paul Kratwell, Ph.D.; Business Department faculty Courtney Bergman, MBA; Kara Bowen, MBA; Mohammed Konte, Rachel Lundbohm, D.B.A., Grace Menze, and Eddie Walker, Ph.D.; Math Science and Technology Department faculty Katy Chapman, Ph.D., Brian Dingmann, Ph.D., Anita Gust, Ph.D. and Julie Hinders, Ph.D., and Agriculture and Natural Resources Department faculty Morgan Pyles, Ph.D., plus staff members Jacob McArthur, MBA, associate director of the Veden Center, and Keri Youngstrand, director of the Roger D. Moe Library.
“The faculty and staff in the University of Minnesota Crookston SoTL cohort are committed to making a difference for their students as they explore questions and curiosities they have about their classes, students, and teaching practices,” shared Lindgren. “Their investigations take them on a journey into the research literature on teaching and learning.”
Dingmann said being part of the cohort has been “incredibly valuable.”
“Learning more about the scholarship of teaching and learning has helped me ask better questions about teaching biology and think more deeply about what and how to assess student learning, leading to improved teaching effectiveness,” Dingmann offered.
"I appreciate that Dr. (Shawn) Boyne started the SoTL cohort,” added Hinders. “Due to busy schedules, research often goes on the back burner, so it has been nice to be a part of a group that is focused on research. The information and support provided has also been helpful and it has been a great way to get to know faculty from other departments."
Konte says the cohort has helped advance research in his field of accounting education.
“The collaborative sessions have provided a platform and conducive environment for formulating meaningful research questions and refining ideas, which have significantly influenced the trajectory of my current research,” stated Konte. “I look forward to further integrating this approach to align with my current teaching pedagogy.”
“As I think about teaching from the SoTL perspective, I am excited to move forward with my project and to consider potential future projects,” Bell added. “I have really enjoyed working with colleagues from across campus and across disciplines in our sessions; it has been especially helpful to work with the facilitator, Jeff Lindgren, who is an excellent resource. The option for 1-on-1 meetings with Jeff has been beneficial for overcoming obstacles and keeping my project moving forward.”
