Citations for Outstanding Contributions to Learning: Learning Design and Advisory

General eligibility

• Application is open to professional staff.
• Both individual and team applications are encouraged.
• Team applications may include up to 10 members. All teams must provide a team name.
• Cross-faculty, cross-school/unit or cross-discipline applications will be considered. 
• All applications must relate to contributions to learning at The University of Queensland that have been sustained for a period of at least 3 semesters.
• Previously unsuccessful applicants in any category of award are eligible to reapply.
• A winner of a University of Queensland Citation (COCSL) may not be the recipient of a University of Queensland LDA-COCL in the same year unless they form part of a team LDA-COCL or team COCSL application and are not the lead applicant. 

Eligibility of previous recipients

• Previous winners of University of Queensland Citations and/or Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) Citations are not eligible to reapply within 2 years of receiving a Citation (i.e., if a recipient in 2024, then not eligible to reapply until 2026).
• However, previous University LDA Citations recipients are eligible to reapply within 2 years of receiving a Citation if they form part of a team application and are not the lead applicant or were not the lead applicant in the successful submission. 
• Applicants reapplying for a Citation must demonstrate significantly different achievements in later years.
• Previous winners of University of Queensland APEL and/or AAUT APEL can only apply if the successful submission was a team application, and they were not the lead applicant. They must demonstrate significantly different achievements from the work that has been previously recognised by these awards.

LDA-COCL applicants are invited to select one of the following categories, determined by the nature of their contribution to learning. Expressions of interest and applications will be assessed on evidence provided in relation to the selected category. 

• Co-design, development and/or implementation of exceptional curriculum and learning experiences or initiatives and supporting colleagues (whether staff or students) to do the same.
• Facilitating the creation of resources and/or services that demonstrate best pedagogical practice in a field or discipline.
• Supporting the design, development and/or implementation of effective assessment and feedback practices that not only evaluate student performance but also contribute to the enhancement of learning outcomes.
• Leadership in the design, development and exemplary application of educational tools and/or practices that are innovative, improve teaching and promote student learning. 

Evidencing your contribution

Applications should evidence outstanding practice over more than a single project or project cycle. Evidence for the submissions should be based on a portfolio of work. It should be corroborated by testimonial and other supporting evidence from stakeholders.

Expressions of interest and applications for LDA-COCL will be assessed against responses to their chosen category, and the extent to which the submission shows evidence that the applicant’s practice has: 

• Contributed to improved learning outcomes including evidence of evaluation of impact on learning or engagement which might be demonstrated in testimonials, in improvement in results, or in engagement and satisfaction metrics.
• Shown creativity or innovation irrespective of whether the approach involves digital technologies.
• Demonstrated successful engagement with the learning community in the design process, change management and implementation processes.
• Demonstrated use of evidence-informed approaches, scholarship, research or data as the basis for effective practice. 
• Been sustained over time (min. 3 semesters). 
• Gained recognition from students, staff, school, faculty, and/or the University.  

All applications will be assessed relative to opportunity. You can attach a brief summary (max 200 words) of any factors you would like to be taken into consideration by the committee. 

Expression of Interest (EOI)

You must submit your Expression of Interest and Summary of Evidence by 5pm, 29 April 2024.

The expression of interest includes the following components: 

• Applicant details
• Chosen category 
• Citation Statement: a 25-word summary of your contribution to learning. This concise description must be written in the third person, avoid jargon and use plain language, and inform the broadest possible audience about your work. 
• Expression of Interest: 
  • Overview of the context and contribution (maximum 300 words): This section should describe the applicant’s distinctive contribution to learning and engagement and the resulting impact on relevant stakeholders, students and academic colleagues.
  • Summary of the evidence to address the chosen category provided in bullet point format. The summary of evidence must include examples that might be used to support a full application.
  • Reference list (i.e., list of works cited) must be on a separate page (aim for no more than 4 references in your reference list).

Application

A Shortlisting Committee will appraise expressions of interest according to the published criteria and invite eligible applicants to provide a detailed application by  26 July 2024. 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a workshop facilitated by ITaLI where advice and guidance will be given on the format and content of their LDA-T-COCSL application.

A Selection Committee will appraise applications according to the published criteria and make recommendations for awarding commendations and citations to the University Teaching, Learning and Student Experience Committee for approval.

1:1 Consultations

Applicants who need 1:1 support are recommended to request a consultation with ITaLI staff. 

Information session 

8 April 2024 at 10am, 17-202 (Learning Innovation Building) 

This session will provide an overview of the Teaching and Learning Award schemes offered at UQ, and tips for structuring an effective expression of interest.

Register for the session

Writing a Teaching and Learning Award application workshop 

This session is open to shortlisted applicants only, and will be held in June. 

The purpose of this workshop is to provide applicants with guidance on the format and content of their application and discuss tips for a successful application.  

Award writing session 

This session is open to shortlisted applicants only, and will be held in July. 

The purpose of this session is to provide applicants with time and space to work on their draft application, with ITaLI staff and previous UQ award winners available to provide advice and clarification.