Developing Competitive Education Proposals
for the National Science Foundation
Scott Grissom
sgrissom@nsf.gov
Program Director
National Science Foundation
Arlington, Virginia 22230 USA
Abstract
This interactive workshop enables participants to work in small teams to explore a systematic process for converting an idea into a competitive proposal.  We will identify the most common strengths and weaknesses cited by reviewers of NSF proposals.  Led by a Program Director of the NSF Division of Undergraduate Education, the workshop will use a series of interactive exercises in which participants first reflect on their own current understanding of the issue (Think), then share these ideas in small groups (Share) and then again with the entire group (Report), and finally hear an expert's opinion (Learn). Particular attention will be given to the following elements of NSF proposals.
* Goals and Expected Outcomes
* Implementation Strategy
* Evaluation Plan
* Broader Impacts
* Dissemination Strategy
Through this process, participants should develop a better understanding of the attributes of a competitive proposal and the role that reviewers play in the proposal decision process; the factors that reviewers consider in processing proposals; and approaches for anticipating and responding to these factors.  This will enable them both to prepare more competitive proposals for NSF's education programs and provide them with a broader perspective on writing successful proposals.  Q&A opportunities will be encouraged throughout the workshop.