Pedagogic Research Institute & Observatory Fund /
Plymouth University Teaching Fellowship Scheme
Guidance Notes: 2015-16
We are pleased to announce the call for proposals for the 2015-16 Plymouth University Teaching Fellowship Scheme and Ped RIO funding. Applications are invited to support projects that include 1) pedagogic research and / or 2) developing innovative teaching practices. Up to £10,000 is available for individual projects, although consortium projects of schools and / or groups of researchers may wish to bid for larger amounts.
Deadline for applications is 12pm Friday 30thJanuary 2015 (after this time no applications will be accepted).
This document provides guidance to those considering an application to either of the two funding programmes, and also provides general advice on submitting a proposal:
1. Guidance – applications for PedRIO funding
2. Guidance – Applications for Plymouth University Teaching Fellowship Scheme
3. General Guidance
4. Key dates
If you require further information or would like to discuss your application ideas, please contact PedRIO () or attend one of the funding workshops which will be held on the 16th of December 2014 and 14th of January 2015, at 2-4 pm, 2nd floor meeting room, 3 Endsleigh Place. Book your place:
Section 1: Applications for PedRIO funding
Any member of the University teaching or support staff with interests in pedagogic research may apply for funding. Bids may address any aspect of pedagogic research in higher education; though we are particularly interested in proposals around inclusive pedagogies and assessment. Areas researchers may also be interested in considering include: 21st century learning challenges and new learning cultures, the student voice, education for sustainable development, flexible and on-line learning, and innovative assessment.
Applicants should demonstrate how the proposed work contributes to the knowledge of teaching and learning in HE and how it may lead to impact on policy and practice in this area, particularly that which is relevant to other institutions/universities in the UK and beyond.
Detail should be presented of the theoretical basis for the proposed research, intended data collection and analysis methods. Where appropriate, information should also be included of internal and/or external collaborators. Cross-school bids are particularly welcome.
Bids will be reviewed by two independent reviewers drawn from the PedRIO Steering Group and pedagogic researchers working across the institution. Bids will be judged on their originality, rigour, significance, likelihood of successful outcome and track record. A dissemination strategy is required for all projects and must be agreed before funding is released.
In writing an application, particular attention should be paid to the anticipated outputs that will result from the research, as shown below:
- A minimum of one peer reviewed journal article;
- Evidence of dissemination at national / international research conferences;
- Evidence of contributions to the PedRIO conference and events;
These outputs need to be submitted to the funding programme management team by the 30th September 2016.
Section 2: Applications for the Teaching Fellowship Scheme (TFAS)
Any member of University staff who has responsibilities for teaching and/or supporting learning may apply for funding that enhances the quality of learning and teaching at the individual and subject level. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed work contributes to the achievement of the Faculty and University Learning and Teaching Strategies, and results in teaching practices, ideas or resources that can be applied by other colleagues more widely. Applications from teams consisting of two or more schools are particularly welcome.
If the project involves introducing new teaching practices, resources etc, applicants should build in an element of evaluation which involves appropriate stakeholders (e.g. students / course tutors).
In writing an application, particular attention should be paid to the anticipated outputs that will result from the project, as shown below:
- Recommendations for practice in the form of staff guidance resources; or a peer reviewed journal article; and,
- Evidence of dissemination through contributions to national / international research conferences and PedRIO events.
These outputs need to be submitted to the funding programme management team by the 30th September 2016.
Bids will be reviewed by two independent reviewers drawn from the Educational Development, Associate Deans Teaching and Learning and past Teaching Fellows. They will be judged on their timeliness, value for money, likelihood of successful outcome, applicants’ track record in teaching and learning and potential impact on learning, teaching and the student experience. A dissemination strategy is required for all projects and must be agreed before funding is released.
3. General guidance
Please ensure you state whether the application is for the Pedagogic Research Institute & Observatory funding or the Teaching Fellowship Award Scheme.
Bids should be concise and specific, and must include sufficient information for the proposal and its outcomes to be assessed to confirm that the project is achievable, will provide a measurable and deliverable contribution within the proposed timescale.
Applications must be co-signed by the Head of School, ADTL or equivalent as an indication of the School or Faculty support for the bid.
Funding for PedRIO and PUTFAS funding will not normally be allocated to the following activities: marketing and publicity; recruitment; ‘normal’ teaching and related activity and administration (directly funded through module and School budgets). Buy-out of academic staff from core duties is not feasible given the budget. Full economic costing is not necessary as this is University Quality Research funding.
4. Key dates
Funding workshops; please email to request a place
- 2-4 16th December 2014
- 2-4 14th January 2015
Deadline for applications: 12pm 30th January 2015
Outcome of the review process announced and project commence: w/c 9th March 2015
Induction meeting 12-2 16th March 2015
Deadline for spend 31st July 2016
Submission of final reports 30th September 2016
If you have any queries or questions regarding the application process, or would like to discuss a project idea, please email