Incorporating the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Medical Education in India

Abstract

Purpose: Medical teachers in India perform multiple duties which include clinical care, teaching-learning activities and research. While research publications are considered for recruitment and promotion, teaching-learning activities are hardly acknowledged. The purpose of presenting this perspective is to emphasize the importance and value of the scholarship of teaching and learning in medical education Methodology: We describe the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), what exactly does it involve and its unique attributes such as deep reflection, committed engagement in action and making the work public for peer review. We also describe the importance of student involvement in SoTL work. We present some examples of SoTL work and ponder upon how this could be incorporated in medical education Results: SoTL could be incorporated by sensitising all the stakeholders, creating an atmosphere in the medical colleges that is conducive to the development of such a scholarship, and rewarding it appropriately. Mechanisms to document SoTL work and assess it shall have to be developed. Conclusion: Incorporating SoTL in medical education would give new meaning and purpose to a career in medical education. The quality of medical education would improve, benefitting the students, and ultimately the society.