University teaching fellowships
Aims
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to raise the profile of learning and teaching at the university
to recognise and reward staff impact on, and enhancement of, student learning
to celebrate excellent work in learning and teaching
to demonstrate commitment in the institution to Continuing Professional
Development (CPD)
to evidence involvement in the enhancement of learning across both school or
department and the university
to grow capacity in the learning and teaching community across the university
to align with criteria for HEA subject centre and National Teaching Fellowships
Eligibility
All staff who support the student learning experience.
Awards
In any year there will be up to:
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four awards of £1,500 each for individuals or groups (consisting of two or more
staff)
Award winners will hold the title of University Teaching Fellow.
Nominations
Learning and Teaching Coordinators in schools and departments are invited to nominate
up to three applications per year demonstrating excellence in learning and teaching.
Applications should produce their case against one of two pathways:
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rising stars – colleagues who have completed the PGCTHE in the previous three
years and have been teaching in higher education for no more than five years
(such colleagues might not be full time academics, but they need to be in a
substantive post offering the opportunity to show evidence of excellence in
supporting a diversity of students)
experts – experienced colleagues offering evidence of sustained excellence in
teaching (such colleagues might not be full time academics, but they need to be
in a substantive post offering the opportunity to show evidence of excellence in
supporting a diversity of students)
Use of awards
There is no requirement for a project. Fellows are expected to support the sharing of
effective practice across the institution, to network with other Fellowship holders and
mentor prospective Fellows. Fellowship holders will be expected to present a CPD
workshop in the programme organised by DELTAE or a paper at the annual Learning and
Teaching conference. Each fellow will be advised on use of the funding and enhancement
activities by DELTAE. The monies are to be used to support individual continuing
professional development. A report will be required on the use of the funding and its
value to personal development and raising the profile of excellence.
Application
The application should demonstrate excellence according to the set criteria and should
comprise the following:
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application form including a signed supportive statement from Dean or Head of
Department
a case study demonstrating excellence in the enhancement of practice (1000
words maximum) describing and evaluating an excellent learning and teaching
initiative, with supportive evidence
a brief (maximum three sides) curriculum vitae highlighting learning and teaching
activity
The case study should:
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describe the context of the initiative (what was the student learning issue
requiring reassessment?), referencing relevant research, scholarship and
professional practice
explain intended outcome(s) in terms of School, Departmental or Institutional
Strategies
describe the initiative, its process and methodology, including recognition for, and
support of, a diversity of student learning needs
evaluate the impact of the initiative on learning, drawing on learner and colleague
feedback and observations
identify dissemination (to date, and suggest potential)
A critical reflection (500 words maximum) on the case which includes:
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the benefits and opportunities for students, colleagues and institution
problems, risks and any unexpected outcomes
potential for transferability to other subjects and scalability
conclusions and recommendations
Excessive length of any item may disqualify the application. To ensure flexibility,
alternative formats for submission would be discussed and supported if suggested, for
example use of a website, wiki, film, video, online community of practice. Appropriate
'equivalent' lengths of such alternatives to be agreed on a case by case basis prior to
submission.
Criteria for assessment
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evidence of impact on the student learning experience
recognition and support for the diversity of student learning needs
reflection on past and current practice
using relevant research, scholarship, professional practice
demonstration of enhancement of practice (individual or group)
demonstration of how the initiative stimulated and inspired learning
evidence of support for the initiative from students or colleagues
contribution to the departmental, school or institutional strategic plan
Submissions should address at least one of the themes in the university's Learning and
Teaching sub strategy. At present these are:
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employability, entrepreneurship and enterprise
assessment practice
technology enhanced learning
curriculum development
internationalisation, inclusivity, accessibility
teaching informed and enriched by research
Format for written submissions
All documents should be submitted in the following format:
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verdana 11 point
line spacing 1.5
page borders 2cm minimum
Support
The focus will be very flexible, in recognition of the diversity of learning and teaching
practice that takes place at Northampton. The Learning and Teaching Coordinators will
support staff in preparing evidence for an award.
Submission
The annual closing date for submission will be the first Friday in October. Applications
should be submitted and titled 'Application for University Teaching Fellowship'. A signed
hard copy of the application should be sent simultaneously as well.
Requirements
This information can be provided in an alternative format. Applicants who are unable to
submit the nomination in written format should contact the Learning and Teaching
Coordinators as soon as possible to discuss an appropriate alternative format.
Assessment process and announcement of awards
A panel will meet within three weeks of the submission date to select successful
applications against explicit criteria. Names of award winners will be announced
approximately four weeks after the submission dates. Feedback will be given to all
individuals nominated for an award. Formal recognition will be made at the February
degree ceremony.
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