Although there is often pressure for instructors to use “best practices” or the most effective teaching model, research on specific teaching models and strategies is mixed. There is overwhelming evidence that creating an autonomy-supportive learning environment, in which instructors seek to adopt student perspectives and allow students to take more ownership of their learning, has numerous benefits. In this session, we will present data supporting these ideas, collected through a large-scale, course transformation program, which uses the framework of self-determination theory to help instructors increase student engagement and motivation. We will also discuss some benefits and challenges of long-term and widespread data collection.

In the interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to identify relevant research questions, potential data collection measures, and available resources to help with scholarship endeavors. We will also consider the wide-range of benefits of including scholarly inquiry in your teaching activities.