The FCTL provides funding opportunities to Missouri State Faculty looking to advance
teaching and learning practices at Missouri State University through involvement in
the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), which is a self-study of teaching
and/or learning models and/or practices undertaken with a focus on understanding and
achieving optimal outcomes for student success.
The FCTL currently offers two distinct grants, the FCTL Teaching and Learning Grant and the FCTL Education Abroad Grant (in partnership with the Office of Education Abroad). To be considered for funding
for either one of these grants, your proposed project should be aligned with the principles
of a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research project, which includes
identifying a problem or a discipline-based question that is framed around student
learning, drawing from research-based strategies, and applying sound methodoloy and
evaluation processes to assess teaching and learning improvements (Bass, 1999; Felten,
2013; McKinney, 2007). Additional requirements for consideration are grant-specific,
and listed on each grant's informational page.
Faculty may request up to $3,000 when applying for either grant, and budget detail
and justification of funds is a required component of the proposal. Faculty may apply
for either or both grants offered by the FCTL in the same semester. Awards will be
based on funding available. Recipients of both grants are expected to share the outcomes
of their project at FCTL's Showcase on Teaching and Learning or Scholarship Summit, and are encouraged to present at other relevant on and off
campus conferences.
The FCTL has compiled a step-by-step guide to submitting a proposal for either grant
type to assist you in the proposal process. Read through this guide to get assistance
in completeing and submitting your proposal and information on what to expect if your
project is chosen for a grant award.
All MSU faculty members are eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted individually
or as a team (per course instructors and adjuncts are welcome to submit proposals
in collaboration with at least one full-time faculty member, who will serve as the
primary investigator).
Grant funds can be used in a variety of ways, including:
Instructional Materials
Direct costs associated with the purchase and/or production of cirriculum modules,
supplemental instruction, workbooks, or other instructional materials (compensation
of time for faculty and/or graduate assistance is NOT allowed).
Note: Grant funds may not be used for salaries or stipends.
Equipment and/or Software
Equipment and/or software to support instruction.
Note: Computer upgrades, classroom upgrades, or other software/platforms that are
already being provided or are within the scope of the college or university will not
be covered by these funds.
Professional Development
Professional development including workshops, online courses or training, external
trainers, conference registration fees, and/or associated travel expenses (workshops
and training already provided through LinkedIn or other university venues is excluded).
Note: Grant funds may not be used for salaries or stipends.
Direct costs associated with supplies or other items needed to support the instructional
change are allowed. Incentives for students to participate in a faculty member's research
project will be considered; however, stipends, hourly rates, or covering student tuition
is not allowable.
Note: Grant funds may not be used for salaries or stipends.
Amounts up to $3000 are awarded for both grants, but applicants are encouraged to
apply for lesser amounts as well.
Visit the FCTL Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Homepage to learn more about SoTL.
The FCTL provides assistance in the development of applications through:
Grant Application Workshops
The FCTL will be hosting grant application workshops to support faculty through the
application process and the development of a SoTL proposal. Register for a Teaching
& Learning Grant Application Workshop through My Learning Connection.
Proposal Reviews & Feedback
The FCTL team is ready to support the development of a proposal by offering proposal
brainstorming, reviews, and feedback.
Projects must be completed within the academic year following receipt of the award
(i.e., funds will be disbursed by August 1 and must be expanded no later than June
1).
Grant recipients will be recognized during the all-faculty recognition event held
each spring and as presenters at the Faculty Showcase on Teaching & Learning each
August. Additionally, faculty SoTL projects will be made available through the FCTL
website and may also be highlighted in faculty resource materials shared via the MSU/FCTL
website(s).
Successful recipients are expected to provide a brief report of their SoTL inquiry
to be shared publicly through MSU/FCTL website(s) and at various faculty development
and/or recognition opportunities. Recipients are required to provide evidence of some
form of sharing the SoTL inquiry with others.
