On manuscript preparation and journal submission: Case of MTL and JRME

Shuk-kwan S. LeungNational Sun Yat-sen University

law@mail.nsysu.edu.twJune 20th, 2008

http://www2.nsysu.edu.tw/leung/080620/NSC_0620.html

Three issues to consider…

What are some considerations to keep in mind as I undertake my research? Will my research make a significant contribution to knowledge? (1. RESEARCH)

What qualities of my paper will make it worthy of publication? Is my message clear, powerful, accurate, and succinct?

(2. MANUSCRIPT)

Is this journal a “home” for my report?

(3. SUBMISSION)

http://www2.nsysu.edu.tw/leung/080620/NSC_0620.html

Manuscript Preparation

Cover letter file Manuscript file Figures and tables Appendix Reference

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

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Some Writing Hints

Be sure your grammar is correct. Make sure sections naturally flow from

one to another. Avoid passive voice. Use “I analyzed the

data …” rather than “the data were analyzed…”

When you use words such as “it” and “this”, indicate what the referent is.

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Key Elements of Report

Worthwhileness: Does the report add to our understanding of issues in our field?

Coherence: Did the research methods and analysis address the research questions?

Competence: Were the appropriate data collection, analyses, and interpretation techniques used?

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Finalizing a manuscript

Ensure appropriate style guidelines are followed.

Several drafts will be needed. Seek feedback from colleagues. Carefully proof read. Be aware of the requirements of the

review process.

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Submission: Which journal?

Aims and scopeNature of articlesJournal requirementsAcceptance rateInternational Standing

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MTL (Mathematical Thinking and Learning: An International Journal)

Editor: Lyn D. English Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group

(2008~); Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.(1999~2008)

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What articles MTL publishes?

Direct at researchers from the perspective of psychology, sociology, philosophy, anthropology, mathematics and information technology, with a particular focus on mathematical thinking, reasoning and learning.

Follow Up Activity: read appendix for MTL index and find articles in the following categories: Research articles; theoretical and philosophical analyses; special issues; books reviews; interviews with well known scientists or articles in memory of past mathematics educators.

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MTL review process

Chief-editor makes an invitation Reviewers reply within 6 weeks, send in

a recommendation. Chief-editor reply to authors with

decision. Reviewers can read decision letter and

report of own and others’ review. Authors send reply.

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MTL reviewers’ recommendation:

Accept Accept subject to revision Reject but encourage revision and

resubmission (THIS IS OFTEN THE MOST CHANLLENGING REPORT TO PREPARE BY REVIEWERS)

Reject

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Decision Letter from MTL Editor

Don’t get upset on receipt of reviews. Carefully analyze reviewers’ criticisms

and suggestions, together with editor’s letter.

Consider each concern and determine how you will address it.

Not all reviewers’ concerns have to be addressed but most will.

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Criticism by MTL reviewers

(Read and write 1, 2, or 3?)

Not relevant to aims and scope of MTL Lack of clear research aims, questions Significance of study not evident (“So what?” question) Inadequate theoretical framework Theory presented doesn’t guide or support the study, data

analysis, and findings/recommendations Terminology not defined clearly Weaknesses in data analysis, such as lack of clarity re coding

schemes used Lack of cohesion, poor structure, problems with written

expression Failure to adhere to the style guidelines of the journal

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JRME (Journal for Research in Mathematics Education) JRME is a forum for disciplined inquiry

into the teaching and learning of mathematics. It is devoted to the interests of teachers of mathematics and mathematics education at all levels — preschool through adult. (7000 subscribers; 150-180 submissions per year; 10% acceptance)

Editor: Steven R. Williams Publisher: NCTM

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What articles JRME publishes? We publish a variety of manuscripts: reports

of research, including experiments, case studies, surveys, philosophical studies, and historical studies; articles about research, including literature reviews and theoretical analyses; brief reports of research; critiques of articles and books; and brief commentaries on issues pertaining to research.

Follow Up Activity: Go to JRME website and browse titles.

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JRME review process

Typically 4 reviewers; I EP member (9 total) plus mix of domestic/foreign, theory/method competence, experienced/new

Reviewers are asked to evaluate the following aspects of a manuscript: Importance/Relevance; Soundness of Methodology and Argument; Quality of Presentation

Reviewers also make a publication recommendation

Usually 3-4 month review cycle.

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JRME Reviewers’ Recommendations Accept the manuscript “as is” (i.e., witho

ut further revisions or additional review) Accept the manuscript pending revisions

but without additional review Reject the manuscript, but encourage th

e author to revise and resubmit a new version for additional review(s)

Reject the manuscript

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Decisions from JRME Editor

Accept the manuscript (without additional review) pending receipt of a revision that incorporates all required modifications

Reject the manuscript Reject the manuscript, but encourage

the author to revise and resubmit a new version for additional review (s)

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Common concern of reviewers: 1, 2, or 3? Are the research questions pertain to issues of significant

theoretical or pragmatic concern? Are they well-grounded in theory or in prior research?

Is there an appropriate match between the research question (s) and the methods and analyses employed to answer the question (s)?

Does the conduct of the study include the effective application of appropriate data collection, analysis, and interpretation techniques?

Are the claims and conclusions in the manuscript justified in some acceptable way, and do they logically follow from the data or information presented?

Is the writing lucid, clear, and well-organized?

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ENDING: Authors send reply with manuscript revision Prepare a letter to the editor explaining

how you have addressed reviewer’s concerns.

Submit your revised paper and letter. If article is totally rejected, follow

suggestions for improvement and select another outlet.

If article is accepted, send to colleagues as an “In press”

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References:

Silver, E. A., Sowder, J. T. (2006). Lecture on “Publishing Research In Mathematics Education: Advice from Two Recent Editors ofThe Journal For Research In Mathematics Education” Sowder (1996-2000); Silver (2000-2004). NSC Writing Workshops. Jan 10th, 2006, Hualin.

English, L. D. (2007). Lecture on “Publishing Your Work in Scholarly Journals and Books”, Queensland University of Technology, Jan 16th, 2007.

http://www2.nsysu.edu.tw/leung/080620/NSC_0620.html

Three issues to consider…

What are some considerations to keep in mind as I undertake my research? Will my research make a significant contribution to knowledge? (1. RESEARCH)

What qualities of my paper will make it worthy of publication? Is my message clear, powerful, accurate, and succinct?

(2. MANUSCRIPT)

Is this journal a “home” for my report?

(3. SUBMISSION)

Thank You!