FAQ

TAR, or “Teaching as Research” is the deliberate and systematic exploration into teaching development and implementation. TAR is similar to SoTL, or the “Scholarship of Teaching and Learning”, which uses a systematic process to answer questions about teaching and learning and involves the sharing of that work with peers. At Dalhousie University, TAR and SoTL are used interchangeably, and represents the large umbrella of scholarship around teaching, student learning, and instructional practices. If you would like to learn more about SoTL at Dalhousie, check out our SoTL Scholars Program or our SoTL Series, a group of workshops focused on supporting teaching and learning research.

Projects exploring questions about student learning, instructional practices, educational theory, or teaching development can look like a range of things. This work might be at a course level, asking a question about an assessment or pedagogical approach you’re using. It could be exploring questions about instructional processes across courses and departments or exploring a broader question at a disciplinary level. We encourage you to start with a question about your own teaching practice or course and meet with an Educational Developer to discuss how you could develop your own TAR/SoTL project.

Most TAR/SoTL projects require Research Ethics Board (REB) approval, as it’s research with human participants. When conducting course-based research, there are important ethical consideration that you must be aware of. If you are unsure if you will require REB approval, we suggest reviewing the REB’s document on Research vs Program Evaluation as well as reaching out and contacting one of our Educational Developers who can help you with the process.

Yes! The CIRTL network offerings and the CIRTL Levels are open to all members of the Dalhousie community, regardless of if you have or are currently teaching. In fact, CIRTL offerings will help support you in any future teaching work you might engage in and can help build your confidence if you are new to teaching.

All CIRTL Network offering and CLT events are open and available to you to attend for free. If you are interested in participating in the CIRTL Levels, which requires participation in CLT Programming, it is best to reach out to the CLT to discuss what opportunities and options are available to you.

Engaging with CIRTL can provide you with a range of professional and personal benefits. Engaging in CIRTL Network events will introduce you to colleagues from over 60 institutions across North America, building your professional network. Participating in the CIRTL Levels and network allows you to demonstrate your commitment to teaching development when seeking employment, increase your confidence with teaching, and build important professional and academic skills.

Yes! The CIRTL Network events as well as all CLT events and programming are open for participation without registering or completing the CIRTL Levels.

Graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and employees of Dalhousie University are able to participate in the CIRTL levels of the program.

There are no costs for Dalhousie community members to participate in CIRTL Network events, CLT Programming, or the CIRTL Levels.

Yes, registration is always open. To register, please head to one of the CIRTL Level pages (Associate, Practitioner, Scholar). Remember that you can only be registered for one level at a time.

Yes. You will be required to complete the Certificate in University Teaching and Learning (CUTL) to finish the CIRTL Level Associate. Within the CUTL, CNLT 5000 is a required course.

There is no cost to apply and receive a CIRTL level or attend a CIRTL Network offering if you are enrolled in a Dalhousie program or are employed by Dalhousie University.

If you are new to CIRTL check out the CIRTL Level Associate where you can register for the program. There you will find ways to begin to engage, such as attending CIRTL Network Workshops, CLT programs and events, and reflective questions that will allow you to begin to think about your teaching development.

At the moment there is not a dedicated CIRTL mailing list. If you’re interested in staying up-to-date on CIRTL and CLT offerings check out Connected Classrooms which shares teaching and learning related news and events, and regularly visit the CIRTL Network and CLT events websites.

No, you will submit all documents once you have completed all the requirements for your CIRTL Level.

Individuals will complete their CIRTL Level(s) at a pace that best meets their work/life demands. There is no specific time you must complete them by, other than you must be part of the Dalhousie community (i.e., currently studying or employed at Dalhousie) at the time of submitting your CIRTL Level portfolio.

While you may complete the levels in any order that you like, we strongly encourage you to begin at the Associate Level and work your way towards the Scholar Level. The Levels are designed to provide a scaffolded and linear experience.

Each participant is responsible for tracking their own participation. To aid in this, each level has a digital tracking list that you can use to record your progression and ensure you have all items required in your final portfolio submission. Once you have completed all tasks outlined on the list, you are ready to submit your CIRTL portfolio.

During your CIRTL completion you may need to take a break in your studies, or experience a change in your program or employment. This is okay! However, to submit your documents and receive a Letter of Completion, you must, at the time of submission, be enrolled or employed by Dalhousie University.

Downloadable/printable PDF versions of the rubrics can be found on each CIRTL Level page.

Portfolios are reviewed twice a year, in the Fall and Spring. To complete your CIRTL Level for the Fall assessment, submit your portfolio prior to October 1^st, and May 1^st for the Spring assessment. You can submit your portfolio on the appreciate CIRTL Level page (see here for Associate, Practitioner and Scholar).

After successfully meeting the criteria for a CIRTL Level, you will receive a Letter of Completion for that level.

No. There will be no record of your CIRTL Level completion on your academic transcripts. We encourage you to include your letter(s) of completion in your teaching dossier and record your engagement on your CV and resume.

Completing the CIRTL Levels will not provide you with any academic credits or be listed on your transcripts. These levels are additional professional development that you can do while studying/working at Dalhousie. While you may not receive academic credit, we encourage you to include your letter(s) of completion in your teaching dossier and record your engagement on your CV and resume.

No. If you have graduated from Dalhousie, you are no longer eligible to participate in the CIRTL Network events or the CIRTL Levels.