UAL Teaching Scholar Scheme Application Guidance 2017 1. Introduction The UAL Teaching Scholar Scheme aims to enhance the student experience through reward and recognition of high quality teaching. Those who teach and support learning are significant for shaping effective learning experiences and where best practices exists UAL is committed to celebrating and sharing these. The UAL Teaching Scholar Scheme aims to achieve this by developing and supporting a community of excellent teachers and supporters of learning who can share best practices and work collectively to enhance the student experience. UAL Teaching Scholars will be peers who can demonstrate excellence in teaching and support of learning and who can develop their practice to increase impact and support the development of others. In order to support further development a project fund of 5000 is provided for each UAL Teaching Scholar as well as professional development opportunities to become a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. UAL Teaching Scholars who have achieved Senior Fellow status of the Higher Education Academy by the end of their tenure will be eligible to become a UAL Senior Teaching Scholar. 2. Why apply? UAL Teaching Scholars receive support to widen their impact upon the student experience further. The scheme recognises and rewards high quality teaching through the award of a title that will communicate excellence to others. Support is provided for UAL Teaching Scholars to develop themselves and their practice. Provides opportunities for UAL Teaching Scholars to extend their sphere of influence and enhance the student experience. UAL Teaching Scholars become part of a growing network of peers with a proven commitment to enhancing the student experience who can help inform the University s enhancement agenda. 3. Reward & Recognition of Scholars UAL Teaching Scholars will: receive a special responsibility allowance for the 2 year duration of their tenure. receive project funding in order to build on their practice and to disseminate their work more widely. This funding can be spent on teaching and support buy-in, 1 CPD and/or project activities be invited to a celebration of their achievement 1 Buy-in provides the opportunity to use the funding to bring teaching and learning support and other specialist skills for enhancement activities and to help broaden the UAL Teaching Scholar s impact. 1
UAL Teaching Scholars will form their own distinct community meeting termly with representation on University and College Learning Teaching and Enhancement Committees UAL Teaching Scholars will receive mentoring from appropriate colleagues to support their development and further recognition as Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy 4. Timing and Duration UAL Teaching Scholars are appointed for a period of 2 years. At the end of that period if the UAL Teaching Scholar has successfully completed the accreditation process for Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy then they will become a UAL Senior Teaching Scholar. Otherwise the UAL Teaching Scholar appointment is considered completed. 5. Eligibility An applicant will need to: Be teaching and/or supporting learning at the UAL Be employed on a minimum 0.4 FTE contract Have 18 months service at the University prior to making an application Pg. Cert. in Academic Practice (or equivalent) Be a fellow of the Higher Education Academy Be fully supported by their line manger 6. Funding The University has set aside funds to pay UAL Teaching Scholars a special responsibility allowance and to provide project funding. A total project fund of 5000 is available for each scholar during their tenure with 2500 allocated each year. Project funding can be used to: Buy-in teaching and/or other specialist support Purchase essential equipment CPD activities to update knowledge and skills, including attendance at conferences and network events Evaluation costs, such as transcription Fund events to disseminate work more broadly Project funding must be used to support further enhancement of the student experience and share practice. 7. How will applications be judged? Eligible applications will be considered by a cross UAL panel including academic, student and support representatives. This will be on a competitive basis within funding limitations. It is anticipated that successful applications will fulfill substantially each of the following criteria: All documentation provided correctly. 2
Criteria assessed through Case Study Applicant is able to define, demonstrate and evidence excellence in teaching and/or supporting learning. Whilst excellence will depend upon the context in which the applicant works it will incorporate an awareness of student learning and an understanding of how their activity can be evaluated and reflected upon. Applicant is able to draw critically upon student evaluation data in order to reflect upon their activities as teacher and/or supporter of student learning Criteria assessed through Indicative Project Proposal Applicant places proposed scholarship activity within the context of their existing teaching and/or support activities Proposal demonstrates how impact will be enhanced and shared beyond applicant s immediate context Criteria assessed through References References support the applicant s claim of excellence in teaching and/or supporting learning The grading for each criteria is specified in Appendix 3. 8. Timetable and application process Application deadline: 17 th November 2017, 12:00 Panel meeting: 11 th December 2017 Feedback to applicants: December 2017 UAL Announcement: January 2017 Commencement of UAL Teaching Scholarship: January 2017 9. Application and sign off The complete application will be comprised of: 1. Application form (see Appendix 1): a. Case study 1500 words max. b. Indicative project proposal outlining use of project funding 750 words max. 2. References (see Appendix 2) a. 1 from a peer b. 1 from a student 3. CV 4 A4 Sides max. outlining relevant academic and professional experience In recognition of the diverse areas of professional practice at the UAL we recognize that different styles of submission may better represent individuals work. If you would like to discuss alternative methods of demonstrating the criteria please contact the scheme s 3
coordinator. Examples of alternative formats for the case study could be: A contextualised e-portfolio A recorded and narrated PowerPoint presentation A 5-10 minute narrated video A presentation (delivered to the panel) Note that if you would to take advantage of an alternative submission format, you should discuss this with the scheme coordinator and confirm your intention by 23 rd October 2017. All submissions will be judged against the same criteria. Your application should be discussed fully, supported and agreed by your line manager. Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered. 10. Ethics Give careful consideration to whether or not there are any ethical issues if you are making an application that has research outputs or sensitive student-related issues. In such cases, applicants should consult the University's Code of Practice on Research Ethics in full. If appropriate, a Research Ethics Approval Form should be completed and submitted along with the application. 11. Terms & Conditions of the Award If your application is successful and you accept the scholarship then the following terms & conditions will apply: i. It is your responsibility to conduct any research, project work or other agreed academic study as set out in your application form. It is acknowledged that in the course of your scholarship there may be some minor modifications from the original description of the work to be carried out. It is your responsibility, however, to try to ensure that the original issues that you identified in your application are fully addressed and the aims and objectives achieved. ii. iii. iv. If any significant changes need to be made then you need to inform the Centre for Learning and Teaching in Art and Design as soon as possible, detailing the nature of the changes. If you fail to notify the relevant department of such circumstances, or to seek approval for changes to your proposed research, this will be taken into account in the assessment of your end of award report and may affect future funding. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) arrangements apply as detailed in the University of the Arts London IPR Policy & Guidelines. The University reserves the right to revise or amend at any time the conditions of the scholarship and to suspend or terminate it at any time or to seek reimbursement where the terms and conditions are not met. In reserving these 4
rights the University will, where possible, seek to ensure that in the event of changes or termination, reasonable notice is given to the award-holder. v. UAL Teaching Scholars will report termly to their peers (UAL Teaching Scholars) and will write mid-year and end of year reports on their activities. These will be considered by the UAL Learning, Teaching and Enhancement Committee. vi. vii. UAL Teaching scholars will be required to submit an end of scholarship report to be received by the end of their tenure. UAL Teaching Scholars that have met the accreditation standards for Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy by the end of their tenure will be eligible for the title of UAL Senior Teaching Scholar. UAL Teaching Scholars that become UAL Senior Teaching Scholars will no longer receive a special responsibility allowance, but will receive 1 additional increment. UAL Teaching Scholars that have not successfully met the accreditation standards for Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy by the end of their tenure will have completed their scholarship and will no longer receive a special responsibility allowance. 12. Panel Panel will be constituted by a minimum of: Dean Learning Teaching and Enhancement (Chair) Members: Member LTE Committee Academic Dean College Learning Teaching and Enhancement lead Student representative Head of technical resource SFHEA, PFEA, NTF or Teaching Scholar Scheme Coordinator With representation from each College. 13. Relationship to other Reward and Recognition Schemes UK Professional Standards Framework The UAL Teaching Fellowship/Scholarship provides support and opportunity to enable colleagues to evidence eligibility for Descriptor 3 of UK Professional Standards Framework; which is equivalent to Senior Fellowship of the HEA: Descriptor 3 addresses experienced teachers and others who demonstrate leadership in their learning and teaching practices and related activities. The Descriptor requires evidence of wider impact, sustained success and influence. This would be the case with individuals who, for example, have developed and led 5
substantial programmes of teaching and learning, led cross (and inter-) institutional teaching and learning focused projects, provided leadership for work in discipline based communities, or those who have led consultancy for major pieces of pedagogic work in subject associations and professional bodies. For further information search www.arts.ac.uk for SFHEA. Higher Education Academy National Teaching Fellowship Scheme The UAL Teaching Scholarship provides support and further opportunities to develop the applicant s profile for an application to the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme; which is assessed through demonstrating 1. Individual excellence in teaching and/or supporting learning 2. Excellence in supporting peers 3. Excellence in one s own personal and professional development For further information search www.arts.ac.uk for NTFS. University Curriculum Development Funding UAL Curriculum Development Funding provides funding to support curriculum innovation, experimentation and building capacity in terms of the University s strategic priorities. For further information search www.arts.ac.uk for Curriculum Development Funding. 6
Appendix 1 UAL Teaching Scholarship Application Form About you Name of applicant: College/Service: Position: (if part-time please indicate fraction): UAL Email address for correspondence: Telephone number that you can be contacted at: Please confirm your eligibility I have worked at the UAL for longer than 18 months I have you a Pg. Cert. in Learning and Teaching, Academic Practice or an equivalent. (Please ensure this information is apparent on your CV.) I am a fellow of the Higher Education Academy 7
Case Study of Practice(1500 words max.) Please provide a case study of a teaching or support activity that demonstrates your sustained commitment to excellence and impact upon the student experience. You may find the following prompts helpful and which relate to the scheme s criteria: How do you define excellent teaching, learning and/or support? How have you embodied excellence in your practice, please be specific? What evidence do you draw upon and how do you draw upon this to reflect upon your practice and change it? Indicative Scholarship Proposal (750 words max.) Please describe how you intend to use your tenure as a UAL Teaching Scholar and the available project funding to further enhance the student experience. This proposal is indicative and will be developed further and in partnership with CLTAD during the initial stages of the UAL Teaching Scholarship. You may want to indicate aims, areas of investigation, CPD, academic development and/or dissemination activities that would help you enhance the student experience. To demonstrate the scheme s criteria you will need to explain how you are building upon your excellent practice and what the impact will likely be. 8
Referees Please provide names and contact details of 1 peer and 1 student (current or previous) who can provide a reference Referee 1 (Peer) Referee 2 (Student) Name: Name: Email: Email: Applicant Signature: Date: Line Manager: The UAL Teaching Scholarship is a University priority which aims to enhance the student experience, reward excellent teaching and provide opportunities for excellent colleagues to share their good practice. By signing this application you are confirming and endorsing the applicant s excellence and intended project as well as indicating your commitment to support their work as a UAL Teaching Scholar. In practice this means supporting the terms of the scholarship project and providing space for their developmental activities related to the scholarship e.g. where appropriate termly meetings with other UAL Teaching Scholars and attendance at Learning, Teaching and Enhancement Committees. We very much appreciate you reviewing this application, endorsing the individual and committing to support them. Name: College/Dept.: Signature: Date: Please return completed applications and references to cltad@arts.ac.uk, by the deadline. 9
Appendix 2 UAL Teaching Scholarship Reference Form Thank you for agreeing to be a referee for a UAL Teaching Scholar application. The UAL Teaching Scholarship is granted only to individuals who can demonstrate sustained excellence in teaching and supporting learners. The Reference Form asks you for your personal view on whether you think the candidate has demonstrated excellence. Name of referee: Position: Email address for correspondence: Name of applicant: Reference (500 words max) You may find the following prompts helpful and which relate to the scheme s criteria: In your experience how has the applicant demonstrated excellence as a teacher or supporter of learning? In what ways is the applicant an example of good practice who can inform others? What qualities does the applicant embody that you feel are important for improving the student experience? Referee Signature: Date: 10
Appendix 3 Criteria and Grading Documentation Criteria All documentation provided correctly (i.e. to specified length) and signed off by line manage Yes/No Case Study Criteria Applicant is able to define, demonstrate and evidence excellence in teaching and/or supporting learning. Whilst excellence will depend upon the context in which the applicant works it will incorporate an awareness of student learning and an understanding of how their activity can be evaluated and reflected upon. Applicant is able to draw critically upon student evaluation data in order to reflect upon their activities as teacher and/or supporter of student learning 1: Applicant demonstrates a critical awareness and understanding of what constitutes excellence in teaching and learning based upon good practice in pedagogy and the discipline. 2: Applicant demonstrates an awareness and understanding of what constitutes excellence in teaching and learning based upon good practice in pedagogy and the discipline. 3: Applicant demonstrates an awareness and understanding of what constitutes excellence in teaching and learning based upon an intuitive understanding of the terms. 4: Applicant does not demonstrate an awareness and/or understanding of what constitutes excellence in teaching and learning 1: Applicant draws upon a range of student evaluation data, such as unit evaluation (formal or informal), NSS scores and/or student testimonials, to support their claim for excellence. Use of data demonstrates criticality and there is a clear rationale for its appropriateness 2: Applicant draws upon student evaluation data. Use of data supports the applicant s claim for excellence. 3: Applicant draws upon student evaluation data. Use of data and the applicant s claim for excellence lacks articulation. 4: Applicant either does not draw upon quantitative or qualitative student evaluation data or it is not appropriate. 11
Project Proposal Criteria Applicant places proposed scholarship within the context of their existing teaching and/or support activities 1: Proposal suggests a clear development of current practice and clearly has the potential to extend their sphere of influence beyond their immediate context. 2: Proposal suggests a clear development of their current practice and will have value beyond their immediate context; although this may not be fully explicit. 3: Proposal develops out of their current practice; however it is not clear how this will be of use to others. 4: Proposal does not/or it is not clear how it develops from existing practice. Proposal demonstrates how impact will be enhanced and shared beyond applicant s immediate context 1: The proposal is explicit about the benefits (students and peers) to the University and the sector and provides a strategy to engage with both. 2: The proposal considers the benefits (students and peers) to the University and the sector, but this may be in a limited way and may lack a clear strategy of how to engage others internally and externally/or it may be well developed, but partial i.e. focuses only internally. 3. The proposal reference benefits of the proposal to the University although provides little rationale and context for this. 4. The proposal suggests limited or no impact beyond immediate context and lacks awareness of how it will impact the University and sector. Reference Criteria and Grading References support the applicant s claim of excellence in teaching and/or supporting learning Yes/No 12