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

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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

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Watch below for an overview of the 2025 Columbia Learning Scholarship

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

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Proposal Form

Discuss alignment with SoTL principles, Columbia College’s strategic initiatives, and existing scholarship.

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Outline Budget

Outline financial needs and justify expenses.

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Obtain Approval

Obtain approval from relevant Program Chair(s)

Submit Proposal

Have questions?

For inquiries about the program, please reach out to