This section describes the background and context of the SoTL project. It explains the need or purpose of the inquiry and outlines potential benefits of the study to faculty learning and/or student success. 

Required Formatting 

• The description section word count limit is 750 words (not including references); applications exceeding word count limits will not be accepted. 

Applicants are encouraged to use the following prompts to guide the development and organization of their SoTL project description:  

• What aspect(s) of teaching practice and/or student learning will be addressed through this SoTL? 

• What research-based strategies will be implemented to address the identified aspect(s) of teaching practice and/or student learning addressed in this SoTL? 

• What types of literature will need to be reviewed to support this SoTL? 

• What are the expected outcomes for faculty learning and/or student success associated with this SoTL? 

This section focuses on communicating the planned implementation and evaluation of the specific teaching and/or learning strategies associated with the SoTL project. 

Required Formatting 

• The description section word count limit is 750 words (not including references); applications exceeding word count limits will not be accepted.

Applicants are encouraged to use the following prompts to guide the development and organization of their SoTL project methods:  

• Describe how the selected research-based teaching and/or learning strategies will be implemented. 

• Describe what and how resources and/or materials will be used to support the implementation of this SoTL. 

• Explain how impact(s) of the implemented strategies on student success will be evaluated/assessed? 

• What reflective and/or self-assessment protocols will be included to identify changes in teaching practice? 

• In what ways will this SoTL contribute to and/or impact teaching and learning at MSU? 

A detailed, itemized budget with justification of proposed expenditures is required. The total for all categories may not exceed $3,000. 

Funding Categories

(a) instructional materials;

(b) equipment and/or software;

(c) professional development; and

(d) supplies/other.

The application also asks for a plan for the sustainability of the project beyond the grant timeline (if applicable). 

Note: There is no requirement to use the maximum grant amount of $3,000, and the application scoring process promotes the intentional, aligned, and judicious use of grant funds. For more information about funds usage visit the grant information page. 

How are you planning to share the results of your SoTL? 

Public sharing of results is not only a principle of good practice in SoTL (Felton, 2013), but also a standard of scholarly work (Glassick, Huber, & Maeroff, 1997).

Recipients are required to provide evidence of some form of sharing their SoTL inquiry with others (in addition to the brief report provided to the FCTL). 

Ideas for Sharing 

• FCTL Showcase of Teaching & Learning 
• FCTL Spring Scholarship Summit
• The Faculty Lounge (Podcast Series)
• Faculty Learning Communities (FLC)
• University, College, or Departmental Groups
• Publications (Disciplinary and/or SoTL Journals)
• Conferences 
  • Lilly Conferences
  • SoTL Commons  

Given the continuum of SoTL work, ranging from a reflective analysis of a classroom strategy/practice to conducting a more formal form of discovery or application research, it is important to remember ethical aspects of conducting research. Most SoTL inquiries will likely be categorized as IRB exempt, however, it is up to each grant recipient to determine whether or not IRB approval is needed for your inquiry.  

Contact the MSU Research Administration Institutional Review Board for more information and assistance with the IRB process.  

 I understand I am responsible for obtaining any necessary IRB approvals for my SoTL inquiry prior to beginning the investigation. 

• Yes 

• No