In this study, we examine students’ reasons for course non-completion at a large, diverse, public research university in the university system of Georgia. We found these reasons in multiple datasets and used a mixed-methods approach to interpret them. While many studies have framed course withdrawals as rational decisions based on academic or personal factors, this study explores a variety of factors, including both practical and emotional considerations, that shape students’ withdrawal decisions. We analyzed emotional sentiment and reasons for course non-completion cited at the moment of withdrawal (i.e., disclosed on the registrar withdrawal form) as well as at retrospective timepoints (i.e., in a survey and semi-structured interview). At the time of withdrawal, students most frequently cited academic, personal, or mental health struggles as reasons for withdrawal, often expressing negative emotions. In some cases, students indicated the need for immediate crisis intervention. However, retrospective reflections revealed more positive emotions about their decisions and cited poor academic performance and an overall imbalance in their lives as key reasons. These findings highlight the complex interplay between academic challenges and emotional responses in the withdrawal process, suggesting that educators should consider both factors when addressing course non-completion. We also discuss the implications for future research and administrative policy.
In the modern world, students should be equipped with critical thinking, problem-solving, and autonomous learning skills. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is designed to foster these competencies by shifting the focus from teacher-centered instruction to student-centered learning. However, many instructors struggle with this transition and tend to take control of the classroom instead of encouraging students to take charge of their own learning. This study investigates how teachers implement PBL and what factors contribute to teacher dominance in a student-centered approach. We employed a mixed-methods design, incorporating classroom observations and semi-structured interviews with 20 teachers from two universities in East Java, Indonesia. Findings revealed that teachers correctly implemented only 37.50% of PBL phases, while in 62.50% of cases, the instructors misapplied or didn’t complete the PBL phase. Teacher-centered activities dominated 64.17% of classroom interactions, limiting opportunities for learner autonomy. Interview results highlighted that many teachers misunderstood problem presentation, while some believed PBL was only effective for high-achieving students. These findings highlight a need for targeted professional development programs to help teachers become facilitators rather than content deliverers. Without proper training, PBL risks becoming a modified version of traditional teaching. Future research should explore long-term changes in teacher autonomy and incorporate students’ perspectives in order to better understand the impact of PBL implementation.
This study contributes to the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) by examining how case-based teaching and threshold concepts promote culturally inclusive pedagogical practices among pre-service teachers (PSTs). Our research design reflects SoTL principles by taking a systematic, transparent, iterative, and collaborative approach to collecting, analysing, and sharing data. Our work is explicitly aligned with theoretical frameworks, and we address unresolved issues in order to facilitate transformative learning. We aimed to explore how PSTs perceive culturally inclusive pedagogy and professional competence in a case-based course. Three key findings emerged: increased awareness of classroom diversity, a change in the PSTs’ understanding of culturally inclusive teaching, and resistance to exploratory learning designs. Many PSTs demonstrated transformative learning and sound professional judgment. However, some expressed resistance and uncertainty, underscoring the importance of scaffolding and support. The findings align with the literature on threshold concepts as gateways to boundary crossing and a deeper understanding of diversity in SoTL. The results highlight the potential of case-based teaching to encourage metacognitive reflection and to promote inclusive educational practices in teacher education programs. The study demonstrates that designing inquiry-based learning activities that integrate case studies and threshold concepts can facilitate critical reflection and metacognition among PSTs.
Various disciplines view reflection as both a theory and a practice for helping make learning more visible to students as well as giving them a greater sense of agency; thus, the importance of reflection in higher education is well established. In recent years, scholars in SoTL have acknowledged and theorized about the importance of reflection for faculty. Our 360-degree model builds on this scholarship and research in writing studies in order to suggest that directional (inward, outward, forward, backward) reflection helps faculty analyze their teaching practices by integrating theoretical insights and evidence to evaluate effectiveness while also supporting ongoing professional growth. This poster shares an application of the 360-degree model of reflection, encouraging faculty to build reflective practices into their SoTL projects.
In this paper, we present findings from an interactive workshop at the 2024 International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (ISSOTL) conference that aimed to develop a global roadmap to advance the awareness and appreciation of the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). While some institutions have successfully embedded SoTL into their cultural fabric, challenges persist in many academic contexts where SoTL remains misunderstood as a cross-discipline field of scholarship and research as well as undervalued as a change-making enterprise. Through collaborative activities, workshop participants explored systemic barriers, misunderstandings, and effective strategies from diverse institutional perspectives. The findings highlight actionable steps for institutions, administrators, and faculty to align their efforts, bridge knowledge gaps, and further elevate SoTL as a recognized scholarly pursuit. We also propose practical suggestions to support SoTL initiatives, enhance institutional commitment, and foster cross-institutional collaborations.
در این مقاله، یافتههای حاصل از کارگاه تعاملی در کنفرانس بینالمللی انجمن دانشپژوهی تدریس و یادگیری (ISSOTL) سال ۲۰۲۴ را ارائه میدهیم که با هدف تدوین یک نقشه راه جهانی برای ارتقای آگاهی و قدردانی از دانشپژوهی تدریس و یادگیری (SoTL) برگزار شد. اگرچه برخی نهادهای آموزشی موفق به نهادینهسازی SoTL در بافت فرهنگی خود شدهاند، چالشهایی در بسیاری از زمینههای آکادمیک همچنان پابرجاست که در آنها SoTL بهعنوان یک حوزه دانشپژوهی و پژوهش میانرشتهای درک نادرستی شده و بهعنوان یک کوشش تغییرآفرین نیز دستکم گرفته میشود. شرکتکنندگان کارگاه از طریق فعالیتهای مشارکتی، موانع سیستمی، برداشتهای نادرست و راهبردهای مؤثر را از دیدگاههای نهادی متنوع بررسی کردند. یافتهها گامهای عملیاتی را برای نهادهای آموزشی، مدیران و اعضای هیئت علمی جهت همسوسازی تلاشها، پر کردن شکافهای دانشی و ارتقای بیشتر جایگاه SoTL بهعنوان یک پیگیری علمی شناختهشده برجسته میسازند. ما همچنین پیشنهادهای کاربردی را برای حمایت از ابتکارات SoTL، تقویت تعهد نهادی و ترویج همکاریهای میاننهادی ارائه میدهیم.
