Facilitating a Public SoTL Writing Group: For the Public or with the Public?

Sharon Ultsch; Catherine Ford

doi:10.20343/teachlearninqu.13.46

Authors

Sharon Ultsch Independent Scholar
Catherine Ford Minnesota State https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8546-0804

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.13.46

Keywords:

public SoTL, writing group facilitation, critical pedagogy

Abstract

The concept of public SoTL, aimed to extend the field’s influence beyond academia, challenged writing group facilitators to redefine their expectations and actions as traditional approaches fell short, prompting a reevaluation. This essay chronicles the journey of the facilitators in the inaugural ICWG-Public SoTL cohort, exploring what it means to facilitate a project with influence beyond academia. The facilitators of this public SoTL writing group encountered numerous challenges, including redefining their roles and expectations, engaging with public audiences, and applying critical pedagogy frameworks. This reflective essay shares their facilitation story and the importance of understanding public SoTL’s purpose, audience, and products, which led to a framework for future ICWG-Public SoTL facilitators. Their public SoTL facilitation framework with a critical lens emphasizes the need for a collaborative, iterative approach that prioritizes the needs of the public over traditional academic outputs, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and impactful form of scholarship.

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Author Biographies

Sharon Ultsch, Independent Scholar

Sharon Ultsch (USA) is an independent scholar and researcher. She has developed and facilitated a variety of educational development workshops to international audiences. Her current scholarship interests are critical pedagogy in higher education and critical university studies.

Catherine Ford, Minnesota State

Catherine Ford (USA) is program director for educational development at Minnesota State (33 colleges and universities), where she coordinates, creates, and supports educational development for the Network for Educational Development.

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