Scholars program promotes teaching, learning innovation

January 23, 2009

A new opportunity to both recognize and fund innovate teaching at the University of Saskatchewan has taken shape in the form of the Teaching and Learning Scholars program at the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching Effectiveness (GMCTE).

"The scholars program is designed to raise the profile of teaching at the university, and we want to recognize the work people are doing in the classroom," according to Kathy Schwarz, program director at the centre. "It's new for our campus but not new in terms of concepts."

To qualify, applicants must propose a project designed to enhance teaching and learning that includes a research component with the potential for publication. Schwarz explained the projects must be innovative and must benefit colleagues within and beyond the discipline of the applicant. Applicants must be academic staff holding permanent, tenured or tenure-track positions.

In the 2009-10 academic year, the centre will make available six Teaching and Learning Scholar grants that are expected to range from $2,000-3,000, she said. Applicants, either individuals or groups, can propose any budget they choose "and depending on how persuasive their argument, they could be fully funded or partially funded." All funding comes from the Gwenna Moss centre budget.

Schwarz said one of the requirements of scholars will be to work with the centre to share their knowledge and findings. This could take the form of a seminar, a workshop or a report.

The deadline for applying to be a Teaching and Learning Scholar is June 15. The applications will be assessed by a committee chaired by the director of the centre and the winners will be announced by July 31. More information is available on the GMCTE website.