Recruiting Students for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Research: A Critical Reflection on Challenges and Lessons Learnt at a South African Higher Education Institution

Cindy Kriel; Michael Sakala

doi:10.20343/teachlearninqu.14.47

Authors

Cindy Kriel North-West University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3173-8553
Michael Sakala North-West University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1556-3717

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.14.47

Keywords:

student participation, higher education research recruitment, reflection on higher education research, higher education student responses

Abstract

This collaborative auto-ethnography study reflects on some experiences associated with recruiting students to participate in a scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) research study. Specifically, the reflection used the duo-ethnography approach to analytically explore the complexities of recruiting students within a lecturer’s own module. It draws on the complementary perspectives of two authors (Cindy, who held a direct role in the study and provided an experiential reflection and Michael, who offered an analytical reflection based on the literature and applicable theories). Cindy’s firsthand experience in recruiting participants is contextualized by Michael’s analytical views, providing a critical lens on navigating and interpreting challenges associated with participant recruitment in SoTL research. We followed Gibbs’ six-step reflective cycle to examine the challenges of participant recruitment and to determine strategies that may inform future research recruitment. This collaborative reflection concludes that for effective recruitment of students in SoTL research, recruitment challenges can be a source of growth and learning.

Author Biographies

Cindy Kriel, North-West University

Cindy Kriel (South Africa) is a senior lecturer and researcher in physical activity, sport and recreation in the Faculty of Health Science at North-West University with a PhD in Recreation Science. She teaches inclusive, as well as therapeutic, recreation and is passionate about working with special populations.
Michael Sakala, North-West University

Michael Sakala (South Africa) is a post-doctoral fellow in the physical activity, sport, and recreation focus area in the School of Human Movement Sciences under the Faculty of Health Sciences at the North-West University. His research focuses on reimagining and transforming recreation and leisure research and education practice for holistic, inclusive, and equitable access.

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