Teaching & Learning Grants
Scholarship, Research & Creativity at Columbia College
Research Scholarship 2025
Advancing Student Learning and Teaching Excellence
The Columbia College Research Scholarship, sponsored by the Columbia Learning Society, is dedicated to enhancing student learning experiences and advancing innovative teaching practices. This scholarship supports rigorous, evidence-based research that fosters inclusive, adaptive, and student-centered learning environments.
Our Objectives
Enhance Student Learning and Teaching Practices
Through ongoing research and innovation, we explore and implement diverse, effective instructional strategies that empower students and educators alike.
Promote Scholarly Inquiry and Innovation
By encouraging academic exploration, we support the development of new educational tools, methodologies, and evidence-based teaching practices that drive impactful learning outcomes.
Disseminate Knowledge and Foster Collaboration
We believe in sharing insights and innovations through peer-reviewed research, collaborative projects, and professional networks—amplifying the influence of our findings beyond Columbia College.
Applications are Open
Timeline
Application Phase
Feb 1 – March 15, 2025
Adjudication
March 15 – 30, 2025
Award Notification
April 1, 2025
Ethics Approval
April 1 – 30, 2025
Research Study Period
May 1, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Research Presentation
January 15, 2026
Grant Funding
Maximum of $10,000 CAD to support 1-5 one-year research projects. The Columbia Learning Society will support this initative with a funding match of up to $5,000 of funds raised through fundraising activities.
Learning Grant Funding
Columbia Learning Society Matched Funding
This scholarship is more than just a research initiative—it’s a commitment to shaping the future of education through discovery, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Streams
Applicants can select one or more of the following streams
Stream 1
Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL)
Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) involves a blend of research and teaching, focusing on understanding and improving student learning and the teaching approaches that impact it. This stream encourages facilitators to engage in methodical research and share their findings to influence both their teaching and practices beyond their classrooms
Criteria for Evaluation
Practicality
Can the goals be achieved within the designated time frame and budget?
Novelty
Is the project exploring a novel practice or context within the SoTL literature?
Impact
Does the project have the potential to advance teaching and learning at Columbia College?
Stream 2
Development and Innovation
This stream supports projects that develop new teaching resources or innovate existing ones. The scope includes creating new materials, implementing innovative practices, and redesigning activities or programs. Recipients are expected to share their work with the Columbia College community as well as external stakeholders to benefit others
Criteria for Evaluation
Creativity & Impact
Does the project introduce novel ideas that have the potential to transform teaching and learning practices at Columbia College?
Collaboration
Does the project involve collaboration with other stakeholders, such as facilitators from different disciplines, community partners, students, or industry?
Sustainability
Can the innovation be sustained and scaled beyond the initial project phase?
Feasibility
Is the project plan realistic and achievable within the given timeframe and resources?
Areas of Focus
Innovative Assessment
Explore new assessment methods, such as peer grading, ungrading, and collaborative exams
Online & Blended Learning
Integrate digital learning technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and program flexibility
Student Engagement Pedagogies
Implement student-centered approaches, such as game-based learning and experiential learning
Diversity and Inclusion
Promote practices that support diversity and inclusion in the classroom
Community Well-being and Mental Health
Create a caring community that reduces stigma and integrates mental health practices into academic programs
Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovation
Develop resources that foster entrepreneurial
thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills
Transdisciplinary Teaching
Encourage teaching and learning across and beyond traditional disciplines
Communities of Practice
Build networks of shared practice among faculty and students
Community Building
Strengthen connections among staff, facilitators, and students to foster a sense of belonging
Sustainability and Environmental Education
Designing curriculum that is focused on mastering specific skills or competencies, rather than solely on completing credit hours or course content
Technology- Enhanced Learning
Advancing the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and simulations for education
Career Readiness and Workforce Development
Focusing on teaching methods and resources that prepare students for careers, including soft skills, professional competencies, and industry-specific skills
Additional Information
Watch below for an overview of the 2025 Columbia Learning Scholarship
Self Directed Resources
Dissemination
Publication
Share research findings through academic journals, conference proceedings, and other relevant platforms to reach a broad audience within the educational and research communities.
Hosting a Workshop
Partner with the Center of Excellence to host workshops, where researchers and practitioners can discuss and disseminate their findings, foster collaboration amongst the Columbia College peers.
Participating in Communities of Practice
Engage in communities of practice to exchange ideas, best practices, and research outcomes with peers, thereby contributing to a collaborative learning environment.
Eligibility
The Columbia research scholarship is open to individuals or groups contributing to Columbia College’s learning experiences, including facilitators and staff.
Adjudication
A double-blind review process by the Academic Council and the CLS Board. Projects may receive partial or full funding based on quality, budget appropriateness, and available funds.
Application Process
Proposal Form
Discuss alignment with SoTL principles, Columbia College’s strategic initiatives, and existing scholarship.
Outline Budget
Outline financial needs and justify expenses.
Obtain Approval
Obtain approval from relevant Program Chair(s)
Submit Proposal
Have questions?
For inquiries about the program, please reach out to