Have you ever had a wonderfully brilliant idea for engaging students or a fresh approach for a course module but have been constrained by your busy schedule or have not had access to the funds necessary to bring your ideas to life? The relaunch of the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund aims to change that.
Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund (TLEF)
TLEF (pronounced “Tea Leaf”) is an award designed to support instructors in exploring innovative teaching practices, enhancing student learning and implementing creative course enhancements. In other words, TLEF is designed to support instructors in implementing or researching new and innovative ways of teaching and supporting student learning. It is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize the exceptional teaching that is happening across campus, giving visibility to those dedicated to advancing teaching and learning at the University of Alberta.
Applying for TLEF
TLEF funding can provide instructors with the support needed to elevate teaching approach. As an instructor, whether you’re looking to test an innovative concept, develop cutting-edge learning resources or foster cross-disciplinary collaborations, TLEF can provide the resources needed to make it happen.
Spotlight on TLEF impact
Here are two success stories that highlight TLEF’s impact to the university:
Hackathons and blended learning to improve computer science education
Eleni Stroulia and her team used TLEF funding to develop hackathons for Capstone Software Engineering courses. These events were designed to support teamwork and project-based learning. The hackathons served as an opportunity for students to feel what it was like to work in a team-based environment, similar to how real-world collaborative projects may feel. Students benefited from hands-on experience and early feedback opportunities that the Hackthon provided.
Experiential wildfire case studies
In 2019, Jen Beverly used TLEF funding to develop a library of experiential wildfire case studies for Ren R 340/740 Wildland Fire Science and Management. Students in the course work together in fire teams to explore detailed maps, data, photographs and other documentation about a real wildfire. The case studies create a learning space for students to apply fire science fundamentals they learned earlier in the course by describing their assigned fire and the factors that influenced how it spread. Since few students have had direct experiences with wildfires, these case studies have proved instrumental in making the course content more intuitive and relatable.
Getting Started
The University of Alberta is excited to see all the innovative ideas submitted for this year's fund. Learn more about the award and how to apply. For any questions, feel free to reach out to excellence.awards@ualberta.ca.
Karsten Mündel, PhD
Vice-Provost (Learning Initiatives)