1. It is inadvisable to start planning the essay before completing the online exercises.

2. The essay MUST show what you have learned from examining the literature on the scholarship of teaching and / or reflective practice AND…

3. …how you are using (or intend to use) this new knowledge to improve your own teaching and the learning experiences of your students. The default essay topic is “How can the concept of scholarship in teaching, and the associated literature, helped you to improve your teaching?” If you would like a different topic, please contact your module tutor. Important notes: 1. There is little merit in a university teacher producing either a merely descriptive essay on the history and philosophy of the scholarship of teaching.

2. Neither is there much merit in a university teacher producing a critical appraisal of this the relevant literature without relating it to his or her current professional needs and dilemmas.

3. If you have come to the conclusion that the literature on the Scholarship of Teaching is of little or no use to you as a university teacher, you may write an essay explaining and justifying this position.

4. You are advised to ask for a one-to-one tutorial with the module tutor to discuss your approach to the required essay.