Large classes are a reality on many campuses throughout the nation, and UTSA is no exception. Handling hordes, as the experience is sometimes referred to, requires re-thinking both teaching and assessment strategies and classroom management approaches. There is no one best solution, given the different disciplines involved; the configurations of large auditoriums; the availability of resources, including teaching assistants; and many other variables. Large Class initiative Grants (LCIGs) at UTSA encourage the redesign of existing courses, the inclusion of creative teaching approaches such as the use of team-based folders, personal response systems (clickers), etc. and new assessment approaches such as the use of grading rubrics as advocated by Linda Nilson in two recent workshops on Managing Large Classes at UTSA. Funding for the LCIGs comes from the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). This form will allow you to fill out the required information and submit your grant proposal online.

Program Objectives
The Large Class Initiative Grants provide funding from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Successful applicants will focus on course development that embeds effective teaching and assessment practices, and efficient classroom management strategies. These grants encourage research on the impact of the new initiatives on student learning outcomes, student retention, and DFW rates.

Timeline for 2008-2009 LCI Grant proposals:

Eligibility
All faculty, including non-tenure track and adjunct faculty, and graduate students are eligible to apply for a LCIG, proving they are the instructor of record for a class or classes composed of over 80 students.

Fill out the online form below to submit your grant proposal. Be concise but include as much information as necessary. At the end of the form you may submit your proposal or clear values and start again.

Personal Information Last Name:* First Name:* Department:* Email Address:* xxxx@xxxx.xxx Campus Phone:* xxx-xxx-xxxx Alternate Phone:* xxx-xxx-xxxx Address:* Status:* Select One... Undergraduate Student Graduate Student Non-Tenure Track Faculty Tenured/Tenure Track Faculty Administrator Staff Visitor Other Line 1*     Line 2     City*     State*     ZIP Code*     Grant Information Title * Brief description of the course to be addressed* (include course number and title and how many times you have taught it) Goal(s) of the course or course project* Brief descriptions of the assignments, activities, and assessments you plan to incorporate into your course and why they are new*(A course syllabus is not required, but will enhance the application) Budget, with budget explanation* The budget must include an itemized list of all expenses as well as the time period for which the funds will be used. Any amount up to $3,000.00 is accepted. Courses must be taught during the spring or summer session(s). Proposals that request funding for research intended to document the efficacy of teaching and assessment practices in large classes will receive special attention. We encourage grant recipients to consider publishing in the many journals devoted to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Funds must be spent by August 31 of the fiscal year in which the funding begins.  Agreement to present your findings at a Poster Presentation. * Select One... I Agree I Do Not Agree * REMEMBER, YOUR PROPOSAL WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED UNLESS YOU AGREE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE POSTER PRESENTATION LCIG Proposals are evaluated on the following criteria: Be sure to include enough information in the above form for the committee to adequately evaluate your grant proposal. Merit Rating (1-3) The teaching and assessment practices are based on solid pedagogy and best practices for teaching large classes The course design reflects an alignment of goals with assessments and activities The course furthers departmental or university-wide goals A clear assessment plan is built into grant activities The grant can have a significant impact (Identify the number of students impacted over time)   Evaluation Rating (1-3) The assignments, activities, and assessments are measurable to a reasonable degree The assessment plan is logical and well-developed   Budget Rating (1-3) Clarity (how funds will be used and breakdown of expenditures) Appropriateness (funds will be used in accordance with project guidelines) Matching funds (presence and significance of matching funds) Reasonableness (likelihood the budget will support a successful project)   *Rating Scale: 1 = Weak, 2 = Moderate, 3 = Strong The Large Class Initiative Grant does not fund: Technological equipment such as computers or personal response systems (clickers) Faculty salaries of any kind Consumable supplies, such as paper Photocopying expenses unless such expenses are not supported through a department Conference fees Travel fees, unless benefiting students The proposals will be reviewed by, and funding decisions made by, the Large Class Initiative Grant Committee. This committee includes faculty members from most colleges and representatives from the Teaching and Learning Center. Send any additional document you deem necessary via email to: terri.kadala@utsa.edu Additional documents attached should address the evaluation criteria for the grant proposal.

Questions should be directed to Barbara Millis (barbara.millis@utsa.edu) or (210) 458-7374) or Terri Kadala (terri.kadala@utsa.edu) or (210) 458-7504.

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