Higher Education Practice Development Fund
The Development Fund
Have you got a curriculum development idea or an interest in researching something about student learning?
The Centre for Higher Education Practice (CHEP) has established a fund to support projects that will contribute to the realisation of the University of Ulster's Teaching and Learning Strategy 2008/09-2012/13. Thirty five projects were supported in the first three rounds of funding. The first twenty six projects have been completed and disseminated their achievements at the CHEP Festival of Innovative Practice in June 2010. Round three projects will be involved in this year's Festival. In addition, project reports will be available shortly on the Centre website.
In each round we received over twenty applications with many being at a high standard. This means that there were a number of proposals from interesting projects that were unsuccessful in reaching the rankings where funding was awarded.
Projects that were ranked highly were those that met the criteria by demonstrating:
- an awareness of and linkages to previous relevant scholarship in teaching and learning
- how the outcomes of their project would benefit/ transfer to the wider T&L community within Ulster
- well developed dissemination and evaluation strategies
- evidence of moving forward initiatives that would meet the aims of the Teaching and Learning Strategy in innovative ways
- value for money demonstrated by justifiable costs
- an achievable timescale for project activities
Some projects that demonstrated potential but were felt to require more time to fully explore and clarify their plans were offered a lesser amount of seed corn funding.
Previously funded projects are listed at: http://www.ulster.ac.uk/centrehep/project_funding.html
Round Four Funding - Spring 2011
Funded projects will demonstrate creative and innovative curriculum development and/or pedagogic research in one or both of the identified themes of Student Engagement and Assessment for Learning.
Funded projects will build on the existing scholarly teaching and learning evidence base and will focus on the adoption and / or research of exemplary and innovative approaches, methods or materials. It is expected that funding for individual projects will normally be up to £3,500. The funding will be awarded by open competition to projects that will enhance student learning and/ or enrich the learning and teaching research evidence-base in relation to the themes identified above.
Development Fund Aims
The fund is designed to:
- support curriculum developments, learning and teaching research, and other innovations which will enhance the quality of students' earning experience and/or enrich the learning and teaching research evidence-base
- provide individuals with the opportunity to engage in and collaborate on learning and teaching developments with colleagues
- recognise existing staff expertise, and identify and encourage fresh talent
- disseminate good practice to the wider university community
Round 4 Themes
For this year's funding the CHEP has prioritised themes linked to the Teaching and Learning Strategy:
Theme 1: Student Engagement
This is a broad term covering a wide range of possible initiatives. The Higher Education Academy has recently used the definition 'Student engagement is concerned with the interaction between time, effort and other relevant resources invested by both students and their institutions intended to optimise the student experience and enhance learning outcomes and development of students and the performance and reputation of the institution.' The basic premise is that socially and academically engaged students are more likely to remain in higher education and to be successful. Social engagement relates to the making of friends and building of peer support networks, whilst academic engagement may range from a first step of promoting attendance (e.g. making sessions unmissable) to students becoming actively involved in their studies and seeking to understand rather than just passing assessments. We particularly encourage innovative and sustainable initiatives relating to academic engagement which may include the development of social peer networks and the use of mobile technologies.
Theme 2: Assessment for Learning
The National Student Survey has now been in operation for six years and it is evident that the University has failed to maintain or improve on the 2009 satisfaction levels in relation to Assessment and Feedback and given gradual improvements in the sector, the variance between Ulster and the sector overall has increased in this area. In the qualitative results, very few positive comments were received and the majority of negative comments related to the lack of feedback, speed of feedback or quality of feedback. Whereas pockets of exemplary practice have developed, it is apparent that further work in this area is required.
We would encourage submissions of projects that aim to explore, develop and disseminate effective practices in this area and that build on the established, published evidence base. In particular, we would encourage those that have transferability to a wide range of disciplines and that take account of student views.Active student engagement in the assessment and feedback processes would be particularly welcome.
What can the funding be used for?
- The funding may provide one-off or pump priming support for developing learning and teaching (student) resources, staff development resources and /or research into learning and teaching.
- Individuals or groups may bid for funding.
- The projects may address any level of higher education.
Who can apply?
Any member of staff who is responsible for the student learning experience in the University of Ulster is eligible to apply as an individual or as part of a team; this includes academic staff and support staff. Staff should be contracted to the University for the duration of the proposed project. Collaborative proposals involving more than one school/department or faculty are actively encouraged. Inclusion of students in team applications is also encouraged.
Conditions
- The project outcomes/findings should be of use to others within and outside the University.
- Project bids should be submitted with the support of the participants' school/department.
- Projects are encouraged to explore ways to engage and collaborate with colleagues in their own department/school/faculty, including disseminating the project outcomes.
- Projects will be expected to liaise regularly with the CHEP via an allocated mentor.
- Projects must be prepared to disseminate their findings at appropriate CHEP events.
Funding Available
It is expected that funding for each project will be no more than £3,500. You can however, apply for funding to meet the costs of your project; these costs may include the following:
- Travel and subsistence expenses.
- Staffing (e.g. administrative or research assistance costs) but not project staff time.
N.B. Equipment: requests for technological hardware or software for the personal use of applicants will normally not be considered.
Submission of Proposals
Proposals for funding should be made using the downloadable Application Form only. The last section must be completed by the lead applicant's line manager confirming agreement to the involvement of applicants in the proposed project and indicating how the project links to School/Departmental priorities.
All applications should be sent electronically to Dr Amanda Platt at aj.platt@ulster.ac.uk
Advice on potential applications can be sought from members of the Development Fund Team. These include:
- Dr Sarah Maguire
- Professor Kate Greenan
- Dr Clare Carter
- Ms Sylvia Alexander
- Mr Damian McGivern
A review panel consisting of CHEP Project Funding and Advisory Board members or other nominated persons will be appointed to review applications. Each proposal will be assessed against a set of criteria (details available on the CHEP website) by at least three members of the review panel.
Final decisions on projects to be funded will be made at a meeting of the full Review Panel. Unsuccessful projects will receive feedback as to why funding has not been allocated.
Key Dates 2011/12
| Call for applications: | Friday, 4th February 2011 |
| Development Fund Briefings (11am-12 noon) | |
| Coleraine | Friday, 25th February 2011 |
| Jordanstown | Thursday, 10th March 2011 |
| Deadline for submission of applications: | Wednesday, 20th April 2011 |
| Notification of outcome: | Friday, 27th May 2011 |
| Project start date Friday: | Friday, 26th August 2011 |
| Mid term report: | Friday, 27th January 2012 |
| Project completion date: | Friday 29th June 2012 |
| Final Project Report: | Friday 31st August 2012 |