TALKABROAD CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH PROGRAM
PROGRAM SOLICITATION FOR SPRING, 2016
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Last updated on Sept 22, 2015
Level 1: Curriculum Development Grants. For use in developing and implementing
new strategies for second language acquisition using interaction with native
speakers as a core component.
Level 2: Short-Term Research Grants. For use with research projects of limited
scope and duration. Research may focus on topics relevant to the recipient’s
language program or topics of consequence in second language acquisition research
related to interaction with native speakers in the curriculum.
Level 3: Long-Term Research Grants. For use with projects of extensive scope and
duration. Research may focus on topics relevant to the recipient’s language program
or topics of consequence in second language acquisition research related to
interaction with native speakers in the curriculum. Priority will be given to research
on 2015 Areas of Interest.
2015 Areas of Interest
 The impact of regular interaction with native speakers on program
enrollment numbers.
 The impact of remote interaction with native speakers on oral proficiency as
compared to other methods (study abroad programs, on-campus speaking
opportunities, etc.)
 The impact of interaction with native speakers on students at novice and
intermediate proficiency levels.
CLOSING DATE: December 07, 2015
5:00 Eastern Time
Table of Contents
1. Program Overview
2. Contract Proposal Preparation Instructions and Requirements
a. Curriculum Development Grants
b. Short-term Research Grants
c. Long-term Research Grants
3. Evaluation Criteria
4. Considerations
5. Proposal Submission Information
TALKABROAD CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH PROGRAM
PROGRAM SOLICITATION FOR FALL, 2015
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
a. Introduction
The purpose of the TalkAbroad curriculum development and research program is to
encourage innovation and collaboration between practitioners in the area of second
language acquisition education as it relates to providing second language learners
opportunities to interact with native speakers. TalkAbroad invites qualified language
educators to submit a proposal to develop a new curriculum, module for an existing
curriculum, short-term or long-term research project in the area. All student populations
are acceptable.
b. Program Description and Award Levels
The TalkAbroad curriculum development and research program has three award types. The
current solicitation is for submission of any award type.
Curriculum Development Grants: Curriculum development grants are for use in developing
and implementing new strategies for second language acquisition using interaction with
native speakers as a core component. Awards are for a period of one academic
semester/quarter and provide up to $3,000 of TalkAbroad credit.
Short-Term Research Grants: Short-term research grants are for use with research projects
of limited scope and duration. Research may focus on topics relevant to the recipient’s
language program or topics of consequence in second language acquisition research related
to interaction with native speakers in the curriculum. Awards are for a period of one
academic semester/quarter including up to a value of $5,000 of TalkAbroad services and
$1,500 cash reimbursement for expenses incurred during the prosecution of the research.
Long-term Research Grants: Long-term research grants are for use with projects of large
scope and duration. Research may focus on topics relevant to the recipient’s language
program or topics of consequence in second language acquisition research related to
interaction with native speakers in the curriculum. Priority will be given to research on
2015 Areas of Interest. Awards are for a period of no more than 6 academic semesters (16
academic quarters) including up to a value of $12,000 of TalkAbroad services and $4,000
cash reimbursement for expenses incurred during the prosecution of the research.
c. Eligibility
Every second language educator submitting a proposal must be employed by an accredited
college or university.
Educators submitting proposals for long-term research grants must have a history of
successful research demonstrated through peer-reviewed journal submissions and
conference presentations.
d. Key Dates and Award Information
The number of awards shall be determined based on the number of high quality proposals
that are submitted and the availability of funds. It is expected that TalkAbroad will
announce awards on the TalkAbroad website by approximately January 1st, 2016. Offerors
shall receive notification of all decisions via email. Successful offerors are expected to carry
out the proposed curriculum development or short-term research project during the Spring
2016 semester/quarter.
e. TalkAbroad Contact
All questions should be directed in writing to the TalkAbroad head of university
partnerships, Todd Nichols.
Todd Nichols
todd@talkabroad.com
2. PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
TalkAbroad is concerned with the scientific and technical merit of all the curriculum
development and research it supports and the relevance of the research for improving
second language education and student outcomes. Submissions should present a sound
scientific and pedagogical approach.
This solicitation is designed to minimize the investment of time and money required in
preparing a proposal. The proposal will be rejected if it does not conform to the requirements
listed here.
a. Curriculum Development Grants
The purpose of the TalkAbroad curriculum development grant is to give recipients the
opportunity to create a new curriculum or modify an existing curriculum to include regular
interaction with native speakers, implement the curriculum, receive student feedback on
the curriculum and share the results with the larger educational community.
Submissions must include the following:
i.
Key information and project abstract
ii.
Course information
iii.
Analysis of current course curriculum
iv.
Proposed curriculum modifications
v.
Methods of sharing results for the purpose of discussion and collaboration with
other members of the educational community.
vi.
Appendix
a. Offerors curriculum vitae
b. Current course curriculum
c. Proposed curriculum (if available)
Project abstract and key information(no more than 200 words)
I.
II.
Key information for the curriculum development grant
a. Offerors Name
b. Offerors Employer and Position
c. Project Title
d. Project Type (Curriculum development, short-term research, long-term
research)
e. Name and position for any collaborators on project
Project Abstract. Offerors must provide an abstract including a brief summary of the
proposed project and the way the project will contribute to the greater educational
community.
Course Information
Offerors must provide all available information about the proposed course for the project.
This may include the number of students, course credits, course level, student population
description, and any other applicable information.
Analysis of current course curriculum(no more than 400 words)
Offerors must provide a summary and analysis of the current course curriculum. The full
curriculum should be attached in the appendix. The focus must be on the strengths and
weaknesses of the current curriculum in achieving the desired outcomes as they pertain to
the proposed curriculum modifications.
Proposed Curriculum Modifications(no more than 400 words)
Offerors must provide a detailed description of the proposed curriculum including how the
modified curriculum will integrate conversation practice with native speakers and the
expected impact those activities will have on the desired class outcomes. This section may
build on the analysis of strengths and weaknesses in the current curriculum.
Methods of sharing results for the purpose of discussion and collaboration with
other members of the educational community. (no more than 100 words)
Offerer must provide a description of how they will share the project outcomes with the
greater educational community. This may include, but is not limited to, conference
presentations, journal submissions, and workshops.
Appendix
I.
II.
III.
Offeror curriculum vitae
Current course curriculum
Proposed curriculum (if available)
b. Research Grants (short term and long term)
The purpose of the TalkAbroad research grant is to give recipients the opportunity to
create, implement, and present original research in an area impacted by regular interaction
with native speakers.
Submissions must include the following:
i.
Key information
ii.
Technical abstract
iii.
Technical proposal
iv.
Methods of sharing results for the purpose of discussion and collaboration with
other members of the educational community.
v.
Appendix
a. Applicant curriculum vitae
b. Extra accompanying materials
Key information
Key information for the curriculum development grant
a. Applicant Name
b. Applicant Employer and Position
c. Project Title
d. Project Type (Curriculum development, short-term research, long-term
research)
e. Name and position for any collaborators on project
Technical Abstract (no more than 200 words)
Offerors must include a concise statement of work and basic approaches to be used in the
proposed effort. The abstract should include a statement of objectives, methods to be
employed, and the significance of the proposed effort to the advancement of knowledge.
Technical Proposal(no more than 2000 words)
The technical proposal should contain the following:
a. The offerer should clearly state the research topic to be investigated.
b. The offerer should provide detailed background information on the topic to be
investigated. Citations may be included in the appendix. Include a complete discussion
stating the background and objectives of the proposed work, the approaches to be
considered, and the level of effort to be employed. Special attention should be given to
prior work in the proposed area by members of the project team. Include also the
nature and extent of the anticipated results and, if known, the manner in which the
work will contribute to the larger educational community.
c. The offerer should thoroughly analyze the approach to be taken and shall provide a plan
that addresses any major issues.
d. The offerer should propose a solution/approach that clearly indicates a strong potential
to address the issue to be investigated. It shall provide specific supporting information
and include alternatives and risk mitigators where applicable.
e. The offerer should propose a timeline for completion of the proposed project. This is
only necessary for long-term research proposals.
f. The offerer should propose a budget for completion of the proposed project in
accordance with the limitations of the given grant program (referenced in section 1.B).
Methods of sharing results for the purpose of discussion and collaboration with
other members of the educational community. (no more than 100 words)
Applicant must provide a description of how they will share the project outcomes with the
greater educational community. This may include, but is not limited to, conference
presentations, journal submissions, and workshops.
Appendix
I.
II.
Applicant curriculum vitae
Technical citations
3. EVALUATION CRITERIA
A. Curriculum Development Grants
Curriculum development proposals will be evaluated according to their (1) proposed
curriculum, (2) project team, and (3) contribution to the larger educational community.
Details are described in the sections below.
1. Proposed Curriculum
Does the offeror include a detailed and appropriate curriculum that integrates conversation
practice with native speakers? Does the curriculum description adequately describe the
purpose and goals of the interaction with native speakers? Does the plan include a realistic
timeline for completion and appropriate budget?
2. Project Team
Does the principal investigator have the appropriate experience, training and authority to
oversee and manage the implementation of the proposed curriculum? Is there adequate
support, including facilities, equipment supplies, and other resources?
3. Contribution to the Larger Educational Community
Does the offeror have a plan for bringing the results of the implementation to the attention
of the educational community? Does the offerer specify conferences that show interest in
research of the given topic? Has the offeror had success presenting and publishing in similar
locations in the past?
Research Grants
Research proposals will be evaluated according to their (1) significance, (2) work plan, (3)
project team, and (4) contribution to the larger educational community. Details are
described in the sections below.
1. Significance
Does the offerer justify the importance of researching the given topic? Is there compelling
evidence provided to support the claim that the proposed research plan will address the
topic? Did the offeror clearly describe the research objectives and specify how achieving
these objectives contributes to the educational community? Is there a clear description of
the intended outcomes of the research? Does prior research provide a foundation for the
proposed research?
2. Work Plan
Does the offeror describe the research to be to be developed? Does the work plan specify
clear and appropriate details for how the research will be completed? Does the plan include
a realistic timeline for completion and appropriate budget? Does the budget request
appropriate funds for the research being completed?
3. Project Team
Does the principal investigator have the appropriate experience and training to oversee and
manage the proposed research? Is there adequate support, including facilities, equipment
supplies, and other resources?
4. Contribution to the Larger Educational Community
Does the offeror have a plan for bringing the results of the research to the attention of the
educational community? Does the offerer specify conferences or journals that show interest
in research of the given topic? Has the offeror had success presenting and publishing in
similar locations in the past?
4. CONSIDERATIONS
a. Curriculum Development Grant Reporting
For curriculum development grants, interim progress reports are required and will be due
at the end of month one (1). A final report is required and will be due within four (4) weeks
after the close of the academic term.
The interim report shall include the fully developed curriculum to be implemented as well
as a brief description. The description should focus on the changes from the original
curriculum and the specific goals/outcomes of the curriculum. The description should have
a particular focus on how and why interaction with native speakers has been implemented.
This project summary is to be submitted without restrictions on publication and may be
published by TalkAbroad.
The final report should shall include a one (1) page project summary as the first page. The
report shall include the original curriculum, the new curriculum, a short analysis of the
changes and the impact on course goals and outcomes, an update on any obstacles
encountered during the implementation of the new curriculum, and an updated summary of
plans to share the curriculum and experience with the larger educational community. The
final report should end with a short conclusion focusing on the perceived success or failure
of the new curriculum and future plans to update, continue as is, or discontinue its use. This
final report is to be submitted without restriction on publication and may be published by
TalkAbroad.
b. Research Grant Reporting
For short-term research grants, interim progress reports are required and will be due at the
end of month two (2). A final report is required and will be due within four (4) weeks after
the close of the academic term. For long-term research grants, interim progress reports are
required on a schedule determined at the time of approval.
The interim reports shall include a brief description of the research carried out up to the end of
months two (2), the plans for feasibility testing, an update on any obstacles encountered
during the period. This project summary is to be submitted without restriction on publication
and may be published by TalkAbroad.
The final report shall include a one (1) page project summary as the first page. The report shall
identify the purpose of the research, the research process, the findings or results, an update on
any obstacles encountered during the period, and suggested areas for further research. This
project summary is to be submitted without restriction on publication and may be published
by TalkAbroad.
d. Payment Schedule
Payments will be made in accordance with the payment schedule agreed to after project
acceptance. All in-kind services provided by TalkAbroad will be delivered via pre-purchase
codes through email no less than 4 weeks after project approval.
5. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL INFORMATION
A single Microsoft Word document must be emailed to grants@talkabroad.com.
The TalkAbroad email server will not accept files larger than 25Mb. Therefore, all proposals
larger than 25Mb will not be considered. No physical packages will be accepted. Only
proposals submitted to the email address above prior to the submission deadline will be
considered.
The due date for proposals is December 7 at 5PM EST.