Keynote Speaker: Radical Hope for SoTL: Intersections of Identity and Inquiry
Abstract
In his teaching manifesto, Radical Hope, Kevin Gannon tells us that teaching well is itself an act of radical hope; “endeavors aimed at fundamental, root-level transformation” through which “a better future takes shape” (p. 5). I argue that like the practice of teaching, the practice of SoTL is an act of radical hope. Part of this act is focused on improving learning for students, but another part is focused on increasing the diversity and breadth of who practices SoTL. Shaped by our lived experiences and identities, this process will look different depending on who you are and your particular context. In this keynote we will explore how our individual lenses and positionality influence our SoTL engagement throughout our careers. We’ll learn to identify and leverage our unique perspectives to address the fifth grand challenge of SoTL: understanding and improving its practice, use, and growth. By leveraging our personal strengths and embracing the strengths of others, we can foster an even more comprehensive and dynamic SoTL community.
Session Format
Presentation
Location
Harborside Ballroom East
Publication Type and Release Option
Image (Open Access)
Recommended Citation
Sipes, Shannon Michel, "Keynote Speaker: Radical Hope for SoTL: Intersections of Identity and Inquiry" (2025). SoTL Commons Conference. 61.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/sotlcommons/SoTL/2025/61
Keynote Speaker: Radical Hope for SoTL: Intersections of Identity and Inquiry
Harborside Ballroom East
In his teaching manifesto, Radical Hope, Kevin Gannon tells us that teaching well is itself an act of radical hope; “endeavors aimed at fundamental, root-level transformation” through which “a better future takes shape” (p. 5). I argue that like the practice of teaching, the practice of SoTL is an act of radical hope. Part of this act is focused on improving learning for students, but another part is focused on increasing the diversity and breadth of who practices SoTL. Shaped by our lived experiences and identities, this process will look different depending on who you are and your particular context. In this keynote we will explore how our individual lenses and positionality influence our SoTL engagement throughout our careers. We’ll learn to identify and leverage our unique perspectives to address the fifth grand challenge of SoTL: understanding and improving its practice, use, and growth. By leveraging our personal strengths and embracing the strengths of others, we can foster an even more comprehensive and dynamic SoTL community.
