Guidelines for Independent Educational Project
Why is a project required?
The Independent Educational Project is an opportunity for fellows to synthesize the knowledge, skills and attitudes gained through the formal curriculum into a tangible product.
Recent evaluations provided strong evidence that fellows find the project a very important part of the fellowship experience.
What kind of project is appropriate?
The Independent Educational Project may involve basic or applied research. Fellows may choose to pursue a review of the literature or an in depth study of a topic of specific interest to them. Fellows also may choose to do research which is applicable to an educational endeavor, whether in their division, department or their school as a whole.
Fellows are encouraged to discuss project ideas with Nancy Searle, Ed.D. and other fellows throughout the fellowship. Limited funds are available to complete projects, if needed. These funds can be used for such things as audio-visual services or special consultants.
Project Proposal
From the outset of the curriculum, fellows should begin to explore ideas for their project. Project proposals are due in September of the first year of the fellowship. The following information should be included in the proposal:
- Goals of the project and an explanation of why the project is worth completing.
- A description of the plans/methods which will be used to complete the project.
- A list of resources needed for the project.
- A timeline for the project, including major milestones.
Colloquium Presentation and Project Abstract
Fellows are expected to present the results of their projects in poster format at the Education Showcase held at the end of the fellowship.
Fellows are required to write a one-two page abstract summarizing the goals, methods, and outcomes of their project. The abstract is due prior to presenting the project at the Showcase.