Investigating the Credibility of SoTL Research in Australia: A Case Study of Key Issues for Intending SoTL Academics

This paper is concerned with the credibility of the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) research within the research framework of Australian universities. We report on our project in which we surveyed 63 research leaders in 26 of Australia's 37 public universities. Our survey consisted of six questions, and our aim was to provide advice for intending SoTL scholars seeking to establish a viable SoTL research agenda. Our investigation found that there are significant challenges facing the academic who wishes to build a career around SoTL research. It is clear from the survey responses that much work needs to be done at the university level to strategically value, develop and reward SoTL research.