Arts Pedagogical Research Initiative

For further info

Prof. Peter Ayres

Associate Dean
(Undergraduate)
Office of the Dean
Faculty of Arts
Memorial University
Phone: (709) 864-8255
Fax: (709) 864-2135
E-mail: payres@mun.ca

Application Deadline

Friday, January 6, 2012

Guidelines for Applicants

Background: The ARTS PEDAGOGICAL RESEARCH INITIATIVE (APRI) has been established to encourage creative and innovative practices in teaching and learning in the Faculty of Arts at Memorial. The intent of the program is to support the implementation of new teaching projects or programs that are designed to enhance student learning.

Eligibility to apply: All full-time faculty members of the Faculty of Arts are eligible to apply for an APRI award. Part-time faculty or instructional staff are invited to co-apply with a full- time faculty member as the principal applicant.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted to the Office of the Dean of Arts by Friday, January 6, 2012 at the latest.

Format of the Proposal:The project proposal must include the cover sheet (template below) with appropriate signatures, not more than five pages of description of the project, plus a reference list. Normally, an application would include the following elements:

Description of the Project

Descriptive Title - The title should be succinct but informative.
Abstract - not more than 250 words.
Applicants - Provide a short description of the experience of the applicant(s) relevant to the project.
Literature Review - Describe how the project is informed by relevant pedagogical literature, being sure to include citations [surname(s) and year of publication]. What will this project add to the enhancement of teaching in the Faculty of Arts? [Append a full reference list at the end of the proposal.] The Instructional Development Office is available to offer assistance in this regard.
Intended Outcomes/Objectives - Describe, specifically, the intended learning outcomes of the project. Include clearly stated teaching goals and description of the strategies and activities to be applied in the attainment of these objectives. If appropriate, show how your learning objectives relate to Memorial -1- University’s Strategic Plan, a summary of which can be found at: Strategic Plan 5 Pillars
Description of the methods or strategies, sequence and timelines - Describe as specifically as possible the nature of the project and the kinds of teaching and research activities that will form the core of the initiative. Propose a sequence of events and project some timelines. The project should be completed within one calendar year of the awarding of the grant.
Evaluation - Describe how the objectives of the project will be evaluated. Identify the assessment strategies that will be applied. Identify also the criteria for determining levels of success.
Budget - Provide a one-page budget, including projected costs for personnel (e.g., research assistants, student assistants), and for the acquisition or production of information resources, specialized software, or digital learning materials. Include and identify budget items that will be cost-shared by sponsoring department(s) as well as any donations-in-kind of time or materials. Indicate any matching or other funds you will be applying for, or have secured. Estimate salaries, honoraria and benefits at the rate used by Memorial University. Funding cannot be provided for faculty/staff salaries for the applicants.
Appendix: References Cited [not included in the 5-page limit] - Provide full references for the sources you cite in the application.

Follow-up Reporting and Accountability

Final Report: Please note that if your proposal is successful, you will be required to write a 2-3- page final report to the Dean, describing the implementation of the project and identifying the findings of the research. A revised budget reflecting actual costs incurred must also be submitted. A Banner statement on your project from your departmental administrative assistant would be appropriate. Receipts, journal vouchers and other documentation of your use of funds may be required and should be available, but do not need to be submitted in the final report. This report should be submitted within two months of the completion of the project.

Dissemination: This grant program requires the dissemination of the research findings of your initiative. In your final report, indicate your plans to share the results of your work, through publications, workshops, seminars, conferences or other means. The Instructional Development Office will assist you in this regard and will also offer opportunities for the sharing of project results. We are hoping to initiate an IDO Teaching Workshop for the Faculty of Arts, in which recipients of an APRI award will be asked to participate.

Access to Funds: After the official announcements are made, successful applicants will be contacted by the Office of the Dean to make the financial arrangements necessary to give you access to the funds. Time for disbursement of funds is normally within one calendar year.

For further information, For further information, please contact Peter Ayres, Associate Dean of Arts (Undergraduate) at payres@mun.ca or by telephone (709) 864-8254.