For over two decades, the annual Teaching Innovation Projects Scheme (TIPS) has offered the opportunity for colleagues to gain funding to develop and evaluate their learning and teaching innovations. The Keele Institute for Innovation and Teaching Excellence (KIITE) are now delighted to announce that the scheme is accepting applications.

Funding of up to a maximum of £5,000 is available. Projects can address any area of learning, teaching or assessment, and it is envisaged that projects will start and finish within the academic year 2021-22.

TIPS is coordinated by Georgina Spencer, Academic Developer within the Keele Institute for Innovation and Teaching Excellence. Georgina adds:

"I have been involved with TIPS, first as a funding recipient and now scheme coordinator, for over 10 years. In that time I have seen the scheme offer opportunities to many others to innovate and develop ideas that have gone on to improve the learning experience of our students. Including diverse projects from peer mentoring, career development education, to developing exciting elearning, TIPS offers a brilliant opportunity for KIITE to seed and support small scale projects across the University. I would encourage all staff involved in learning and teaching to consider how the TIPS scheme could be beneficial to them."

Full details, how to apply, and details of previous successful bids can be found on the TIPS Webpage. The closing date for project applications is Midnight, Friday 16th April 2021.

All projects must have the approval of the Head of School or equivalent line manager. The Project Application Form must therefore be accompanied by a signed Statement of Support from the Head of School or equivalent. A template for this is provided at the link above. Applications are also encouraged from staff-student collaborations.

If you are interested in bidding for one of the grants, KIITE will be offering Project Support Meetings in January and February 2021 bookable via Keele People. These will be an opportunity to discuss your proposals with information on the application and assessment process.

Further support is available from KIITE. Please email kiite@keele.ac.uk if you require any further guidance.