Project Plan Submission Guidelines
Projects that make use of the guidance in the PSLC gap analysis will likely have a higher chance of success. You can download the current version of the gap analysis here.
Download: PSLC Gap Analysis (86K)
Requests for Letters of Intent to the Pittsburgh Science of Learning Center
Prior to the submission of a full project plan, PSLC first requests a letter of intent. This is a short, two to three page document that is quickly reviewed by the PSLC Executive Committee. The goal is to foster communication while maintaining the key functions of the project plans: fostering coherence around the PSLC vision, facilitating planning and communication across the center, leveraging potential collaboration among center members, and providing rationalization in resource allocation. As such letters of intent are encouraged to be resubmitted once feedback is received. In addition, discussion with cluster and course committees as well as members of the EC is strongly encouraged during the entire project development process.
The letter of intent should contain:
- a paragraph description of the research idea and how it connects with PSLC goals.
- state the research question in a single sentence.
- briefly review the background work that has addressed or set up this question
- a description of the experiment and how the experiment tests the hypotheses/research question.
- a description of expected findings and how these can be explained using the PSLC theoretical framework. Refer to the PSLC wiki for examples, focusing on the sections for research question, background and significance, independent and dependent variables, findings (expected), and explanation.
- accurate and precise use of PSLC theoretical vocabulary.
- a rough budget estimate including start date and end date.
- complete contact information for all of the PI's.
The letter of intent should be submitted online on this website under My PSLC. The Executive Committee will review it and provide feedback as quickly as possible.
Letters of intent longer than three pages will be returned unreviewed. However, you may attach an appendix to the letter of intent, but there is no guarantee that the appendix will be reviewed.
Letter of Intent Review Form
This form is used to review the letters of intent. You may find it helpful to review before you submit your letter of intent.
Formative Project Presentations
The Executive Committee will identify letters of intent that fit within the PSLC framework. These PIs will be invited to come before the PSLC EC and give a formal presentation. The PIs should review the entire project but should also address the EC's comments and questions that were raised in the letter of intent feedback. A suggested template for the presentation may be downloaded here.
Download: PSLC Presentation Template (2.88 Mb)
Project Plan Template
Download: PSLC Project Plan Template (237 Kb)
This is the preferred format to submit project plans to the PSLC. You may use your own format, however, using this template will save you time by avoiding potential revisions. It will also reduce the time required for review and minimize funding delays. This template includes all items that the PSLC requires for a fundable project plan.
Sample Budget
Download: University of Pittsburgh Sample Budget (19.46 Kb)
Download: Carnegie Mellon Sample Budget (25.09 Kb)
This is blank budget to use as a guide when submitting a project plan to the PSLC. You will need to fill in names and amounts, and delete what you don't need. It also includes the appropriate percentages for fringe benefits and indirect costs for Pitt circa 2003. You will have to insert the appropriate numbers for your institution circa now.
Important Dates