Criteria for assessing SELF applications
Allocations from the SELF are intended to help develop new approaches to learning, teaching and assessment that link to the Enhancement themes. For example: enhancing student employability; innovative, flexible ways of delivering the curriculum; innovative approaches to assessment that better integrate formative learning experiences in the 'classroom', in assignments, at the module, course or programme levels; improving the first year learning experience; integrating research with teaching. The committee will look to fund projects which:
Introduce and/or consolidate specific developments in the process of learning, teaching and assessment
This may be, for example, the development of new teaching delivery methods; the introduction of student-centred approaches to learning; the integration and assessment of opportunities to develop attributes of employability such as key skills. Alternatively, this may involve consolidation of methods that have already been pioneered by the applicant(s). The initiative may relate to innovation in a module as part of a course, or a small area within a module. A 'new' method may simply be new in the context of a particular discipline(s). Bids may be submitted for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses and modules.
Clearly specify the initiative to be introduced
A clear description should be given of the methods of learning, teaching and assessment to be introduced and an account of how they relate to the methods and styles of teaching currently used. Funding for purchase of either computer hardware or software is permitted. However, since the aim of the SELF relates to the active involvement of staff in the development of teaching and learning, bids including the purchase of computer hardware or of other specified equipment will only be considered where the applicant can clearly demonstrate appropriate innovative use.
Clearly identify the role to be played by applicants in developing the initiative
The developmental role of the applicants should be clearly identified in relation to their proposal, and this will be expected to be major. Academic staff may apply for a grant to fund teaching or administration remission for themselves when engaged on this new work. The funding would then be used to pay for part time tutors/demonstrators to undertake the applicant's teaching duties, or for secretarial assistance in supporting administrative duties. Projects incorporating collaboration amongst academic staff groups across disciplines or through utilisation of different staff groups (academic and support) within a subject area will be viewed favourably.
Clearly identify the predicted outcome of the initiative
A description of the predicted outcome together with an indication of how applicants propose to evaluate the outcome of the initiative should be incorporated into the application. For example, how does the initiative attempt to develop student employability or provide different ways for students to access teaching (whether resources-based or face to face)? How is involvement in the course, student performance or the interaction between staff and students to be organised differently?
Clearly identify how the outcomes of the initiative will be disseminated
The initiative might have a wider applicability to the processes of learning, teaching and assessment within the University as a whole, or outwith the University. Therefore, applicants should describe how the results of their initiative will be disseminated throughout the University, both at the level of their Department/School/Unit as well as more generally.
CAPOD may host annual dissemination events for award recipients to dessiminate their project outcomes. However, applicants should also outline other means by which they will disseminate the outcomes of their project. It is recognised that some initiatives may not come to fruition until years after their introduction and some indication of how such benefits will be evaluated is also required.
Successful applicants will have to prepare a brief report (maximum 2 pages A4) on their project for inclusion in a local database on innovations in learning, teaching and assessment in higher education. It is envisaged that this database will be accessible via the website and contribute locally, nationally and internationally to a growing set of case study material of good practice in higher education, and provide a means through which the University can demonstrate its commitment to enhancement of learning and teaching as a part of its strategic plan.