Funding for faculty to improve courses, curricula

Article by Center for Teaching and Assessment of Learning February 01, 2018

CTAL offers grants for redesigning curriculum, improving teaching and learning

The University of Delaware’s Center for Teaching and Assessment of Learning invites applications for two major grant initiatives to improve teaching and learning at UD. The submission period for all CTAL grants is April 1.

Offered for the first time this year, ReLIC (Reengineering Large Introductory Courses) grants are intended for faculty in a department to thoughtfully collaborate on a course redesign. Faculty who teach 100- or 200- level courses with 60 or more students in a single section are invited to apply. These grants may be awarded to multiple faculty members teaching the same course or to a single faculty member whose department intends to move toward a course coordinator position.

The maximum award is $30,000 per department. While the elements of the grant will vary based on disciplinary needs, successful awardees may expect to: receive dedicated support from CTAL and Faculty Commons staff members, participate in a professional-learning community with colleagues, and develop new course assignments.

IIG awardees include the Colored Conventions Project.

CTAL’s ongoing Instructional Improvement Grants (IIG) offer funds up to $5,000 for projects that aim to increase the quality of teaching and learning at UD.

Funds can be used for one-time, small-scale projects that improve existing courses, develop new courses, evaluate instruction or assess curricular needs. The grants can also be used for larger projects that directly affect teaching and learning. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until submissions close on April 1.

Some previously funded projects include: Colored Conventions Project, Healthcare Theater Project, Science Through Storybooks, Ese Eja and hybrid courses offered in multiple departments.

IIG awardees include Science Through Storybooks.

In addition to these major grant projects, CTAL also offers funding for smaller projects that enhance existing undergraduate classes (mini-grants of under $1,000).

CTAL also provides travel grants for faculty to participate in off-campus workshops or seminars on pedagogy, or conferences and conference sessions directly related to teaching. Applicants can apply for up to $1,000 in funding.

More details on CTAL’s strategic priorities and the application processes for these grants can be found at http://www.udel.edu/004479.