Call 11 Learning and Teaching Fund Project application

							THE LEARNING AND TEACHING DEVELOPMENT FUND

LEARNING & TEACHING PROJECT PROPOSALS
(Bid Call 14 - June 2010)


1. Context

The UWIC Learning and Teaching Development Fund (LTDF) supports innovation and
research to inform and develop practice, acting as a catalyst for generating new activities
and extending existing activity. It aims to promote a culture of scholarly practice focussed
upon achieving improvement in the student learning experience.

It is anticipated that projects will normally be investigating the application of pedagogical
research to practice in a particular discipline or context; or be trialling and evaluating
innovative practice; or be researching the impact of existing practice and making change
as a result. Projects are encouraged which consider the design of learning and
assessment and its evaluation. Applicants may wish to consider the benefits that e-
learning tools might offer.

2. Proposals: priority areas
All proposals designed to improve learning and teaching and apply pedagogic theory to
practice will be considered for funding, however proposals which support the following
strategic areas will take priority.
Projects which

          investigate the development and broadening of the curriculum to promote
           internationalisation and the understanding of globalisation

          develop the students’ higher level skill base, particularly information literacy,
           to promote their employabilty prospects and their ability to apply theory to
           practice

          develop the use of Problem Based Learning/Enquiry Based Learning
           (PBL/EBL) to develop engagement, activating and promoting learners’ higher
           level skill base and enhancing their employability prospects

          develop mechanisms for learner support in on-line/ flexible/ distance or
           transnational programmes.


3. Awards available
Two categories of bid may be made:

   .1 Bids for dissemination, of up to £500, are available to those staff who have already
   undertaken relevant scholarly activity and submit proposals for the dissemination of
   their work throughout UWIC and more widely

   .2 Project bids to a maximum of £4000



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The title of Teaching Fellow will be awarded for the duration of the project to those
project leaders who submit an interim report of progress by 17th December 2010 which is
deemed to demonstrate the qualities of sound research rooted in pedagogic principles.

Teaching Fellows are invited to the UWIC annual Honorary Fellows Dinner, and are
recognised at Graduation with a personal award of £1000 (taxable).

Evidence of a project having met its stated outcomes and being disseminated
appropriately could support an application for promotion.
There may be opportunities to obtain ‘matched’ funding from such bodies as the Higher
Education Academy, possibly through subject centres, and applicants are encouraged to
explore such possibilities.

4. Proposal notes (see appendix 1)
.1 Indicative content
Proposals are to be made according to the pro-forma below, clearly addressing each
section and stating which of the priority areas is being addressed. It is expected that
proposals will address issues of learning and teaching effectiveness and efficiency and
will show how proposed outcomes are transferable across curriculum areas within the
School or across UWIC.

.2 Timing
Projects will ordinarily run over one and half academic years and comprise a
development stage and an implementation stage for embedding and dissemination.
Proposals must show how the project will be evaluated and ultimately impact on the
learning environment to produce positive change in practice. Funding needs to be used
by the end of the financial year (July 2011) but work may be finalised up to December
2011.

.3 Dissemination
Successful applicants will be expected to disseminate their work to the wider higher
education community, both internally and externally. The HEA and its subject centres are
a key vehicle for such dissemination. Follow up bids may be made to enhance this
process.

.4 Eligibility
The project funding is open to all staff who teach or support learning. School managers
may act in a support role. Previous Fellows may not reapply until two years have elapsed
since the end of their previous project. New staff undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate
are not eligible until the successful completion of their qualification.

.5 Support
.1 From the School: confirmation from the Dean of School on how teaching time would be
covered and any administrative support provided, together with a commentary from the
DLT on the project noting how it develops School learning and teaching priorities. This
should be attached to the bid.




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Project holders will have a named contact in the Learning & Teaching Develoment Unit
(LTDU). Support and development from the Unit is provided as appropriate. The Fellows’
Forum may also provide guidance and discussion space. Project holders are expected to
attend any developmental seminars provided for them and in response to their requests,
and two Forum meetings per year. The dates are set prior to the start of the academic
year.

5. Submission
Proposals are to be submitted electronically to cbentley@uwic.ac.uk
The closing date for submission of this round of proposals is Friday 17th September
2010.

6. Assessment
The Development Fund Sub Group is responsible for the allocation of this central
funding, on behalf of the Learning and Teaching Board. It will consider all proposals and
inform applicants of the decision as soon as possible after the closing date.

Accountability reports on progress will be required of project holders and the
Development Fund Sub Group may stipulate any additional requirements to ensure funds
are used appropriately and projects are effectively monitored.

7. Contact
Any individual thinking of making an application is encouraged to discuss potential
proposals and how to build their bid. Contact either Rose Lonsdale or Clare Thomas,
LTDUManager@uwic.ac.uk




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Appendix 1

PROJECT PROPOSAL
The proposal should be presented under the following headings and should not exceed
three sides.

Name of Project Leader:

Email:                                              Telephone

Post Held:

School:                                             Location:


Others Contributing to the Project:
Names/emails /School(s):
                                                    Sum sought           £ ….

Title of Project
    1. Aim(s)
      What is the current educational problem and or opportunity you are addressing?

   2. Rationale for the Project
      An outline of the need for the project, related to UWIC and/or School strategic priorities,
      and recognising other scholarly work in the field.

   4. Methods for achieving project aims
      What steps need to be taken to achived the desired outcomes at the end of the project?

   5. Proposed timescale of activities

   6. Expected Outcomes
      a.What will your project have achieved by the end of its lifespan?
      b.What will your project achieve that will be embedded and sustainable after its lifespan?

   7. Methods of evaluation
      This is an initial proposal, methods will be developed in conjunction with LTDU support.

   8. Means of dissemination
   e.g. programme team, department, School, UWIC and externally through conferences and
   papers. LTDU can support with joint authorships.

   9. Costing
      Please detail the way in which funding will be used to support the project


Please ensure the supporting information from the DLT and Dean of School is
attached (see 4.5.1).




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