Call for Proposals

Research Sessions

Session Description: Research sessions are designed to inform participants of the design, implementation and results of empirical research focused on teaching and learning in higher education. Research session presentations are 25 minutes in length.

Submission Format: Research session proposals (quantitative or qualitative) should include, in general, the following sections:

1. Title
2. Author(s) name, Institution
3. Abstract, not to exceed 300 words
4. Literature Review
5. Methodology
6. Data Analysis and Results
7. Discussion/Conclusion

Selection Criteria: Research session proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Is the title accurate, broadly descriptive, and inviting (e.g. Evaluating Learning through Concept Maps rather than the more exclusionary Using Concept Maps in Freshman Biology at a Rural Summer Institute)?
2. Does the work represent a completed phase of research with results and conclusions?
3. Does it report data or evidence, whether quantitative or qualitative?
4. Is the research a scholarly inquiry of teaching and learning?
5. Does the proposal demonstrate an appropriate knowledge of the literature?
6. Are the research methods (e.g., design, methodology, analyses) appropriate?
7. Are the conclusions well supported?
8. Does the work explain how the reader might apply the findings to his or her own teaching?
9. Is the proposal well written? Does it follow APA format?

Submission Guidelines:

• Format paper using the Research Proposal Template and APA formatting for all citations.
• See exemplars of research proposals (PDF):

  • Behind the Laptops in a Large Lecture, by Jeffrey B. Connor, Virginia Tech
  • Evaluating Learning Through the Use of Concept Maps, by Scott Turner, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
  • Negotiating Sexuality and Spirituality in the College Classroom: Facilitating Student Learning Through Knowledge and Narrative, by Katherine R. Allen & Jada E. Brooks, Virginia Tech

• Be sure the paper does not exceed the maximum length of two pages, including references.
• Submit research proposal online by October 2, 2011

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