Partnering on a project led by another institution

Key point from the data:

• One way to learn about OLT project work, team dynamics, OLT-specific terminology and expectations, and the operationalisation of budgets is to be involved as a partner.

While reflecting on advice for prospective applicants about developing their own project idea, Mikko (A-size institution) also spoke about partnering on a project led by another institution:

Work in the areas of your greatest expertise, and in areas that motivate you to the greatest extent, so long as they fit the OLT priorities, unless you are asked to be an institutional representative for your institution or department for an interesting project that someone else is developing. Also join such teams if the projects are of value to you and your institution. You will learn plenty from such activities.

Mikko (A) elaborated on what he could bring to the project in his capacity as a partner institution team member:

I had less depth of expertise in the specific areas being investigated, and I felt I was unable to take leadership in those areas or to contribute as significantly to the project formulation as in the areas of my expertise and experience. However, I was able to contribute educational research expertise, and bring to bear substantial general grounding in higher education scholarship and research, experience in developing and conducting higher education level investigation projects, and working with teams researching and developing improved teaching and learning principles and practices across disciplines from my professional work at various universities.