Small grants that pack a big punch
Purpose
The Teaching Academy is committed to supporting instructional innovation in traditional, online and hybrid formats. Tide Teaching Grants are small grants (up to $1,500) to fund instructional enhancements for faculty with the intent of improving student outcomes.
Description
All full-time and adjunct faculty are eligible to apply. Grants are meant to fund instructional enhancements and the subsequent evaluation of those enhancements. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Flipped Classroom – Introduce materials like videos or readings before class, allowing class time for interactive discussions and activities.
- Technology Integration – Incorporate educational technology tools such as online simulations, virtual labs or collaborative platforms to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Project-Based Learning – Design assignments that require students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Peer Teaching and Mentoring – Encourage students to lead discussions, present topics or mentor peers, promoting a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
- Assessment Strategies – Implement innovative assessment methods like authentic assessments, portfolios or multimedia projects to evaluate student understanding beyond traditional exams.
- Active Learning Techniques – Utilize activities such as group discussions, case studies and hands-on experiments to actively involve students in the learning process.
- Group Learning – Include activities in which students work in pairs or small groups to accomplish a goal.
- Academic Games – Incorporate game-based activities (or gamification) to help students accomplish educational objectives.
Tide Teaching Grants are not intended to fund:
- New course development
- Converting a traditional course to an online format
- Purchase of basic instructional supplies
- Recurring costs associated with a course
- Travel
- Teaching assistantships
Application
The Teaching Academy will accept applications for Tide Teaching Grants twice each year to be awarded prior to the fall and spring semesters. Applicants should be prepared to provide an overview of the proposed instructional enhancement, including objectives and targeted outcomes. A brief description of the intended assessment methods and a budget outlining the projected costs with justification will also be required.
Application Deadlines
- Fall – July 1
- Spring – Nov. 15
Applications will be assessed based on appropriate use of funds, potential for impact (significance and scope), viability of completion plan, scholarship potential and sustainability.
Evaluation
After implementation of the instructional enhancement, awarded faculty will be required to submit an evaluation of the results to the Teaching Academy. The awarded faculty member may be asked for permission to share the results in a Teaching Academy newsletter and on the UATA website or to present their findings at a UATA-affiliated event.
Payment
When a Tide Teaching Grant is awarded, the Teaching Academy will work with the recipient and their home department on a departmental transfer of funds.