EngaGE Innovation & Transformation Award
Submit your project idea here.
Award Amount: $500
Purpose/Description: This award supports and encourages innovative teaching and transformative student learning in General Education courses. Faculty selected for this award will select a General Education course that would benefit from innovative and transformative teaching and learning approaches.
Eligibility: All full-time and part-time faculty who teach at least one General Education course at EKU. Applicants who have not received an EngaGE Innovation & Transformation Award previously will be given priority.
Application Process:
Step 1: Initial Letter of Intent
Faculty should submit (1) a brief narrative detailing the course they intend to focus on and why; and (2) a letter from the course/program coordinator or department chair in support of the proposed project.
Suggestions for narrative content may include the following:
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Clearly define how the proposed project supports the General Education and Element goals.
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Explain how the proposed project enhances one or more General Education teaching approaches, encourages innovative teaching, and incorporates transformative student learning opportunities.
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Explain why the project is proposed, and describe how the proposed changes will enhance teaching and learning (e.g., using the Transparency in Learning & Teaching (TILT) process, active, project-based, or problem-based learning, relationship-rich practices, deep learning (Super Courses), or enhanced technology; incorporating a new textbook, materials, or lab processes; incorporating a flipped classroom approach, employability skills, or other student-focused approach).
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If the applicant does not have a specific project in mind yet, they may still submit by discussing why they want to focus on, change, or enhance in the General Education course and their overall goals.
Step 2: Initial Letters of Intent will be reviewed
Projects will be reviewed by a faculty committee.
Step 3: Final Project Plan & Monetary Award
Faculty selected for the EngaGE Innovation & Transformation Award will participate in introductory, mid-term, and end-of term meetings of approximately one hour and be assigned a Teaching Circle for the semester during which their project is being developed. After completing the Teaching Circle, faculty will present a final project plan, which should include (1) a brief descriptive narrative; and (2) course materials, assignment details, lesson plans, etc. The $500 stipend will be awarded at this time.
In addition to connecting back to the goals and competencies described in the initial application, this plan should:
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Provide a timeline for implementation
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Describe the innovative or transformative approach for the course
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Describe how the changes support the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs for the course)
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Discuss potential collaboration opportunities (with other faculty who teach the course, library staff, student support staff, academic centers, community partners, etc.)
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Include a plan for assessing the project’s effectiveness
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Describe how the changes promote inclusivity via course materials, texts, assignments, structure, and/or activities
Step 4: Presenting & Sharing your Innovation
Award recipients are encouraged to share their projects with their department and other instructors teaching the courses. Recipients will also be encouraged to present their redesign as part of the EngaGE program. In addition, recipients will be recognized at the annual Faculty Awards & Recognition Ceremony.
Timeline: EngaGE Innovation & Transformation Awards will be given three times per academic year.
Fall to Fall timeline: Initial applications of intent are due November 5. Teaching Circle announcements will be made by November 15 and will meet over the following spring semester. Final project reports are due by May 1, with the changes being implemented in the fall (or the next time the course is offered).
Spring to Spring timeline: Initial applications of intent are due March 15. Teaching Circle announcements will be made by April 15, and will meet over the following fall semester. Final project reports are due by December 1, with the changes being implemented in the spring (or the next time the course is offered).
Summer timeline: Initial applications of intent are due May 6. Teaching Circle announcements will be made by May 13, and will meet during the Summer. Final project reports are due by August 12, with the changes being implemented the next time the course is offered.
