To bring attention to the efforts across campus to scaffold inquiry and research into the curriculum, this award recognizes faculty who demonstrate excellence in the use of inquiry-based learning pedagogies, emphasizing students' questions, ideas, and observations in undergraduate teaching. Evaluation will consider innovation and risk-taking, implementation of research-based practices, student evaluations and comments, and nomination by a department chair or dean.
One award will be given at the end of each academic year. All faculty will be eligible for this award. For each $3,000 award, $1,500 will be a cash award directly to the faculty member; the remaining $1,500 will be transferred to a U fund of the winner’s preference for use in enhancing inquiry-based learning.
The Faculty Advisory Board for the Office of Inquiry-Based Learning will determine the winner. Deadline for nominations is February 15.
The Office of Inquiry-Based Learning will contact the nominee to request a statement on commitment to inquiry-based learning in their teaching and development of inquiry-rich curricula. The description should cite specific examples and their impact on student learning in the nominee's classes and beyond. Awardee must be willing to participate in an interview and to secure permission to film/photograph classroom activities, discussions, or labs to highlight the awardee’s activities on ouri.rice.edu.