Penn Language Center

Penn Language Center is pleased to announce a new cycle of SAS Language Teaching Innovation Grants. We encourage participation from all language educators to ensure a variety of grant proposals.

Please note: Penn Language Center received authorization from the SAS business office to make grant funds payable directly to language teaching faculty. Payments will be disbursed in full with February 2021’s salary.

Important dates:

• October 30, 2020, 11:30am - 12:30pm: Grant Workshop in Zoom (link to be emailed)
• November 30, 2020 - begin accepting proposals    
• January 5, 2021 - deadline to submit proposals
• January 10, 2021 - announcement of grants
• February 28, 2021 - disbursement of funds
• May 1, 2021 - completion of grant projects for categories 1 and 2
• August 1, 2021 - completion of grant projects for category 3
• December 30, 2021 - completion of grant for categories 4 and 5
• Fall 2021 - Grants Showcase of 2020 and 2021 completed projects

Ready to apply? Click here to skip ahead to the application 

For this grant cycle, five types of grants are available:


1.   Summer Asynchronous Language and Culture Course* (up to $2500) – 3 grants

This strand funds the creation of a new asynchronous language and culture course to be offered Summer 2021 for the duration of 6 or 8 weeks. Proposals should include a description of the design of online learning environments when students are not interacting with the instructor or with each other in real time. Description of active learning in this  course may include:

• Plans of asynchronous collaborative learning activities,
• Use of threaded discussion as interactive spaces,
• Integration of web-based tools in addition to the learning management system (Canvas)
• Plans for scaffolded assessment
• Inclusion of assessment rubrics

2.   Summer Synchronous and Asynchronous Language Course in LCTLs and Languages for a Specific Purpose* (up to $1500) – 3 grants

Grants in this strand would support the creation of a new synchronous and asynchronous language and culture course to be offered Summer 2021 for the duration of 6 weeks during Summer I or II. Proposals must include a description of the design of online learning environments when students are not interacting with the instructor, or with each other, in real time, as well as class management and building of community in synchronous class time (Zoom). Description of active learning in this course may include:

• Plans of synchronous and asynchronous collaborative learning activities,
• Sample lesson plans for synchronous class time
• Use of threaded discussion as interactive spaces,
• Integration of web-based tools in addition to the learning management system (Canvas)
• Plans for scaffolded assessment
• Inclusion of assessment rubrics

3.   Language Education through Canvas (up to $1000) – 3 grants

These grants focus on development of materials for effective instruction using a variety of available resources, and development of assessment and rubrics, and specific content and materials for Canvas language courses, etc. These proposals should include blended learning modules designed to facilitate collaborative learning between students to highlight best practices. Awardees will create resources and materials for language courses when working with students on face-to-face and online language projects.


4.    Professional Development Grants (up to $300) – 3 grants

This grant strand would support registration fees for presentation at an online conference, seminar, or workshop. Please include email confirmation of acceptance to present.


5.    Organization of Online Conference, Seminar, or Workshop (up to $1000) – 1 grant

Grants in this strand fund the hosting of online conferences, seminars, and workshops at the University of Pennsylvania in support of language programs for specific purposes. Proposals must include a clearly articulated budget and a justification of conference topic and format.

*Proposed courses must demonstrate a history of steady enrollments. Courses must meet enrollment minimums to run during the summer term. These grants support course development; summer courses will be paid for as per the teaching contract for the summer sessions.

Grant Workshop

This year's workshop for those interested in submitting a grant proposal will take place on October 30, 2020 at 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM via Zoom (link to be emailed). Topics to be covered include budget and administration, research services at Penn, and technical details of a grant proposal. This is a great opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and gain feedback about your project.

Below are common questions about the SAS Language Teaching Innovation Grants Program:

Who is eligible?

All foreign language lecturers as well as language program coordinators and directors at Penn (in the ranks of (Senior) LFL, Lecturer A or B, or Senior Lecturer) may apply for a grant.

What kind of proposals are appropriate?

Funding may be requested for a wide variety of activities related to language instruction, such as curricular innovation, course improvement, materials development, multimedia projects, etc.

What makes a strong proposal?

Contains well-articulated instructional objectives
Reflects a good match of your goals, skills and previous experience
Contains evaluation measures
Provides for sustainability

Who determines the awards?

Proposals will be reviewed by a sub-committee of the Language Advisory Committee.

How do I apply?

Click here for the application form. Please note that before you submit your proposal, you must ask your language coordinator to review your application.

What should I include in my proposal?

• Brief project description (abstract)
• Project narrative
  • Project goals
  • Justification based on review of existing or related material
  • Detailed description of activities
  • Plan of work that demonstrates feasibility of the project
  • Technology required, if any
• Summary of relevant prior experience by applicant
• Detailed budget with justification

What are the budget guidelines?

• No travel
  
• No individual equipment
• No training
• Standardized pay rates for technology support
  • Undergrads, basic rate: $10.00-$12.00/hr
  • Undergrads, skilled: $10.00-$15.00/hr
  • Grad students: $15.00-$20.00/hr
  • Any deviations from these guidelines should be justified by qualifications of the person.

Do I need an IRB review?

If you are conducting human research, you may need an IRB. Please go to the website of the Institutional Review Board for details.

Whom should I contact for more information about my project ideas or proposal?

For help with preparing a proposal, please contact:

• Christina Frei, Academic Director
  Email: cefrei@sas.upenn.edu

For general questions, please contact:

• Thi Vuong Poerner, Administrative Coordinator
  Email: thivuong@sas.upenn.edu
• Lada Vassilieva, Administrative Director
  Email: vassilie@sas.upenn.edu