Learning Research Fellows FAQs
Q: I am working on my dissertation right now. Am I eligible to be an Applied
Research Fellow?
A: Yes and no. Faculty and staff working on dissertations or Masters
theses are working to satisfy the requirements of a Ph.D. committee or
Master's requirement. In contrast, College Fellows are faculty and
professional staff who are pursuing a research idea with immediate
application to the classroom and/or the College. The College gives leave to
faculty in doctoral programs through the
Education
Leave policies and procedures program. But there may be a project
embedded in your doctoral or master’s work that will work as a Fellows
project.
Q: I would like to partner with a colleague. Can a “team” submit a proposal?
A. Yes, The College Fellows Program welcomes team efforts.
Q: I want to return to industry to keep up with the latest developments in my
field in order to be a more effective instructor. Will these skill-enhancement
activities qualify for an Applied Research Fellows award?
A: No. Faculty and staff who desire to return to industry or need to
sharpen their skills or upgrade certifications are given these training
opportunities through other funding sources at the college. However, an
Applied Fellows project could certainly involve contact with industry as a
way to ensure that a particular project is current with industry trends.
Q: What exactly is applied research?
A: Here is the "web definition" of applied research: "Research designed
for the purpose of producing results that may be applied to real world
situations.” It might also be defined as ”Gaining knowledge or understanding
to determine the means by which a specific, recognized need may be met. In
industry, applied research includes investigations oriented to discovering
new scientific knowledge that has specific commercial objectives with
respect to products, processes, or services.”
While Applied Research Fellows may well be involved in research activities,
it is primarily a project, with immediate application to the classroom, or
College, that is expected.
Q: Do you have any examples of what an applied research project might look
like?
A: Yes. Below are examples of projects appropriate for Applied Research
Fellows.
- A computer software program that compiles student computer seat time
- An interactive instruction manual that might be adopted statewide or
nationwide
- A technology-based application appropriate for classroom or
administrative use
- A 24/7 chat service that assists PT faculty with technology
- 2-3 minute online tutorials on MLA, APA, plagiarism, etc.
- Model for pod-casting technologies that can be used in distance
courses
- The use of simulation as a teaching tool to hasten the learning
process and enhance retention
Q: How do I get research ideas?
A: Consult your trade and professional journals to learn of current
issues and ideas in your field. Review this year’s conferences in your field
to see what’s being presented. Online trade and professional journals can be
located in the library. Talk with colleagues within and beyond our
institution. Dust off an idea from undergraduate or graduate school days.
It's important, though, that you have begun to think about a research idea.
As we all know, beginning a research project with one idea often changes to
another idea as we move deeper into the research.
Q: How much reassigned time will be awarded to me as an Applied Research
Fellow?
A: It depends upon your project. Generally, you can expect anywhere from
half to full release for the semester. You are required to give an estimate
of the time required for your project in the Applied Research Fellows
application. The Vice President for Instruction makes the final award of
released time. Where a group project is involved, reassigned time likely
will be spread among the group.
Q: Who will be responsible for finding my replacement?
A: Your Division Director/Supervisor is responsible for finding your
replacement. Of course, you may know the best possible people for the job
and will likely make good recommendations.
Q: What about my salary and any extra funds I will need to complete my
project?
A: You will retain your salary and benefits and accrue leave.
Q. How will the fellowships work?
A: This application will ask what the applicant(s) intends to research,
the length and cost of the project and the benefits expected, among other
questions. The applicant(s) will be required to demonstrate familiarity with
the intended area of research and his/her/their readiness to proceed, how
the project / product will be delivered and the learning outcomes needed to
measure instructional or institutional effectiveness.
Applied Research Fellows will design proposals that require the acquisition
of new knowledge and strategies for delivering this knowledge. The Fellow(s)
is responsible for taking the work produced at the end of the fellowship and
disseminating it throughout the college community via workshops, division
meetings, campus kick-offs and professional development activities, etc.
Applied Research Fellows are encouraged to go beyond the campus community
and reach a wider audience. For example, a CPCC Applied Research Fellow
could publish findings in a trade journal, present at a professional
tradeshow or professional conference, market and sell the project through
the college, or create a program that is covered by local or national media.
Q.:I already own a patent for work I am doing. Can I use this idea to be a
fellow?
A.: No. The original research that you undertake as a fellow may result,
one day, in another patent. But you may see a project that results from your
patent that will be acceptable.
Q.: Has anyone put together a suggested list of budget items?
A.: Yes. It is included in your application. It may not be not
all-inclusive, but it will be a guide in determining the actual costs of
your proposal. There may be other line items that will require consultation
with other CPCC divisions, faculty or staff. The list is based on
qualitative- and quantitative-based research. Experiences from previous
Fellows show that it is wise to be as detailed as possible to increase the
accuracy of the final dollar amount.
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