The annual Teaching Innovation Projects Scheme (TIPS) is open for applications until 31st May 2019. For almost two decades, TIPS has offered the opportunity for colleagues to gain funding to develop and evaluate their learning and teaching innovations.

Over the past 19 years, TIPS has funded over 150 projects, exploring innovative approaches to learning, teaching and assessment, with many projects leading to further opportunities.

Dr Ed de Quincey, who has seen many beneficial outcomes from his TIPS project in 2015/16, commented:

“When I started at Keele, TIPS gave me the opportunity to quickly get a small project started and allowed me to immediately build momentum. The outcomes from that work (and a lot of the content I put into the initial TIPS application) fed directly into a successful HEFCE Catalyst grant (£99,790) and a follow on Jisc grant (£19,980). This work has had a direct impact on the student experience at Keele and also on the sector as a whole, being presented at OFS and QAA events and also at the 9th International Learning Analytics Knowledge Conference (LAK19) this year in Tempe, Arizona. Without the support of TIPS, this would not have been possible."

Funding of up to a maximum of £5000 is available. Projects can address any area of learning, teaching or assessment, and it is envisaged that, except in exceptional circumstances, projects will start and finish within the academic year 2019-20.

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, including how to apply, and details of previous successful bids can be found on the TIPS web pages. The closing date for project applications is Midnight, 31st May 2019.