Purpose

The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) refers to taking a systematic look at some teaching and learning practice and recording what was done, why it was done, collecting data, analyzing the data, and reflecting on how the results might influence future teaching endeavors. This type of research has the potential to generate genuine and sustained improvements in our colleges and institutes. If done carefully and thoughtfully, it can not only improve one’s own teaching but also provide guidance for improvement to others. Research gives educators new opportunities to reflect on and assess their teaching; to explore and test new ideas, methods, and materials; to assess the effectiveness of new approaches; to share feedback with colleagues; and to make decisions about which new approaches to include in their curriculum, instruction, and assessment plans.

 

Eligibility

These awards are open to all members of the Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculties Association (ACIFA). All applications must include appropriate institutional consent to conduct the research.

 

Awards and Judging

The Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculties Association (ACIFA) through The Alberta Public Post-Secondary Trust Fund will award up to two grants of $1,000 each annually for research projects related to improving teaching and learning experiences by members of ACIFA. The award is intended to assist with materials and/or study costs associated with the research project.

 

The research project may span part or all of the 2007/2008 academic year but must not exceed that time limit.

 

Applications must be received by the ACIFA Office by April 30, 2007.   Award winners will be notified by June 01, 2007.

 

Applications will be judged by a sub-committee of the Professional Affairs Committee of ACIFA.

 

Award recipients are required to present their project at the ACIFA Spring Conference following the completion of their research project and to write a summary article for the ACIFA newsletter.

 

Application is made by submitting a typewritten Proposal for Research. The guidelines for this proposal are listed below:

 

Proposal for Research Guidelines

1.    Name, address, phone number, and e-mail address of researcher(s). If more than one researcher please identify lead researcher.

2.    Name of college or institute you are a member of.

3.    Designated teaching assignment and employment category.

4.    Title of research project.

5.    Purpose of research project. A brief statement explaining the question that will be answered by your study. What is it you want to find out? What brought this question to your attention?

6.    Materials to be used in the study (instructional materials, assessments, other materials).

7.    Data collection – describe the type(s) of data you will gather and your collection plan. It would be useful to include a step-by-step plan of what will be done.

8.    Explain the process you will use to analyze and evaluate the data.

9.    Describe how you plan to use and/or implement the findings of your study.

10.    Describe your plan for sharing the results with the educational community beyond the requirements of the award.

11.    Anticipated starting and completion dates of the research project.

12.    A letter from the researcher’s institution granting permission to do the research. Other supporting letters as the researcher deems necessary may also be attached.

 

 

Send three copies of your Proposal for Research to:

    ACIFA

    #412, The Dorchester Building

10357-109 Street

Edmonton, AB

T5J 1N3

 

If you have questions please contact: