Instructional Improvement Grants
*NOTE: The IIG program has expended funds designated for Fall 2014 and is no longer accepting applications. The program will re-open in Spring 2015 and begin accepting applications on Wednesday, January 7th.
"I was very pleased to have received an Instructional Improvement Grant from the Center for Teaching and Learning that allowed me to specifically improve the active and co-operative learning in the lecture portion of our large gateway course, Anthro 1 (Introduction to Biological Anthropology). I was able to hire and involve a GSR in the process of adapting lectures to the use of more problem-based learning activities and the first time use of a Classroom Performance System (CPS), or “clickers”. I found an increase in the effectiveness of the course, with students performing better on retention and application of material to higher level skills. Students clearly indicated that they appreciated and truly enjoyed the new format. "
-Sabrina Agarwal, Associate Professor, Anthroplogy
Instructional Improvement Grants (IIG) provide funds (up to $3,000) for small-scale projects to improve existing courses, develop new courses, evaluate instruction, and assess curricular needs. The grant funds also support larger innovative projects that will directly and significantly affect teaching and learning, such as developing materials for new and existing courses and developing new modes of instruction. will be accepted for 2014-2015 beginning in late-August. All submissions will be considered on a rolling basis beginning August 26, 2014 until May 8, 2015 or until all funds are expended, whichever comes first.
The IIG program especially welcomes multi-disciplinary or team-taught projects, projects that involve large lecture classes, particularly at the lower division level, classes that have multiple sections, and/or classes that are heavily subscribed.
In addition, the IIG program encourages projects that respond to changes in education: for instance, projects that involve service learning and civic engagement, that enhance diversity, that encourage study groups, that promote active learning and engagement, that focus on speaking or writing skills, or that seek to improve classroom assessment.
Please submit the completed application (in the body of an email or as an attachment) to the Center for Teaching and Learning at teaching@berkeley.edu. Please note "Intructional Improvement Grant" in the subject line.
Information in planning and developing a grant proposal are available from staff in the Center for Teaching and Learning. For preliminary readings of your applications or help in developing your proposal, contact teaching@berkeley.edu. Please note "Instructional Improvement Grant" in the subject line.
*NOTE: IIG funds may no longer be used to partially fund a field trip. Many field trips can be funded through a Course Material Fee, and would be included in a student’s financial aid package where appropriate. See http://budget.berkeley.edu/policies/index.html and the document “Berkeley Campus Course Materials Fee Policy, revised 10/18/05” for details. Course Material Fee requests are due annually in November and reviewed in January for implementation during the following academic year. All academic units are eligible.
