INSTILL

Instructor Network to Support Teaching Innovation and eLevate Learning: a mini-grant program for implementing evidence-based and innovative teaching

Overview

INSTILL mini-grants provide an opportunity for faculty to do the logistics planning and organizational work necessary to implement a concrete improvement in one of their courses. Sessions consist of consultations, independent work time, and collaboration facilitated by CTE faculty and collaborators. Participating faculty receive a nominal grant for every INSTILL session that they attend as recognition and incentive for implementing evidence-based changes in their classroom. The grant workshops culminate in an annual showcase in which participating faculty present lightning talks that highlight the changes they made and insights they gained during the process; the CTE also compiles a portfolio of explanatory handouts for each course change as well as samples of before-and-after course materials.

Details

The INSTILL theme for AY22-23 is: Changes inspired by Small Teaching (by James Lang)

After attending the information session, participating faculty receive $100 in their faculty D-fund for each session that they attend in person. For the first year of the program, the maximum mini-grant funding per person is $500 (or 5 sessions), plus an additional $100 for participation in the spring INSTILL showcase. These funds will be distributed as a single transfer at the end of each semester. By participating in the INSTILL mini-grant program, faculty agree to

  • include language for the CTE's program evaluation research in their course syllabus
  • share their implementation plan and relevant course materials with the CTE
  • provide feedback and allow the CTE to view course and instructor evaluations for the purpose of program assessment

Program process and resources

  1. Attend the information session, or review the Introduction slides.
  2. Read and sign the Memorandum of Understanding to enroll in the program. Email a copy of your signed form to cte@rice.edu.
  3. Add the INSTILL syllabus language to your course syllabus (if you are currently teaching).
  4. Read the consent form for the CTE's program evaluation research. If you agree to participate, you will upload a signed copy with your INSTILL plan.
  5. Once you have a plan for the course improvement that you are going to work on, submit your INSTILL planning form.
  6. As needed, access any additional resources and supplementary journal articles posted here.


Spring 2024 INSTILL workshop dates

Session 1: Wednesday, January 10 from 12:00-1:00pm | Introduction and Memorandum of Understanding

Session 2: Thursday, January 25 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 2: Friday, January 26 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period

Session 3: Tuesday, February 20 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 3: Friday, February 23 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period

Session 4: Tuesday, March 26 from 1:00-4:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period
Session 4: Wednesday, March 27 from 9:00-12:00pm | Individual and collaborative work period

INSTILL Celebration: Wednesday, April 10, 12:00-1:00pm


No RSVP is required.