SERA Conference 2022 – Call for papers

Venue: University of the West of Scotland (Ayr Campus)

Dates: Wednesday 23rd November – Friday 25th November

The conference will accept individual papers, short presentations, symposia, poster presentations, as well as suggestions for roundtable discussions and workshops.

Download: SERA Conference 2022 – Call for Papers

Individual papers and poster presentations

Individual papers and poster proposals require a 250-word abstract. Please note that authors must identify the strand that their abstract addresses. Abstracts should include:

  • strand (best fit from the list on conference strands page);
  • title of paper;
  • author name(s), affiliation(s), contact email address;
  • 4 keywords.

The abstract should be structured to cover:

  • aims;
  • methods;
  • main findings;

Each paper will be allocated a 20-minute slot (Fifteen minutes to present with five minutes for questions). Please note: You are allowed to submit as many abstracts as practical but normally each person is limited to two presentations within the conference.

20×20 Short presentations

A 20×20 short presentation is an engaging and highly visual presentation of 20 slides for a maximum of 20 seconds each (300 seconds or five minutes in total). The format keeps presentations concise and fast-paced and is useful when wanting to highlight key points, pose questions, present evocative insights, and/or share research in-progress efficiently.

20×20 Short presentation proposals require a 250-word abstract. Please note that authors must identify the strand that their abstract addresses. Abstracts should include:

  • strand (best fit from list on conference strands page);
  • title of paper;
  • name(s), affiliation(s), contact
  • email address;
  • 4 keywords.

The abstract should be structured to cover

  • aims;
  • methods;
  • main findings;

Symposia

Proposals for self-organised symposium are welcome. A symposium is a planned event lasting 60 minutes with between two and four individual contributions on a strand. Symposia organisers are free to decide on how their symposium is run. They should provide a chairperson who will introduce the session and highlight relationships amongst the contributions. Symposia organizers should also provide a discussant to offer a critique of the whole symposium. The contact person identified on the proposal must act as a link between the conference organizers and other contributors. Proposals should include:

  • title of symposium;
  • name(s), affiliation(s), contact email address of the symposium organiser;
  • name of chairperson/discussant;
  • an outline of 200 words describing the purpose of symposium and relationship between papers.
  • symposium presenters;
  • 250-word abstracts for each paper in the symposium, including: title of paper, name(s), affiliation(s), contact email address, 4 keywords.

Each abstract should be structured to cover

  • aims;
  • methods;
  • main findings;

Workshops and Round tables

Workshops and round tables will be scheduled as 60-minute events. Proposals for workshops should include the design and delivery of a learning activity that engages participants directly both in experience and subsequent reflection. Workshop proposals can centre on the analysis of a research methodology/approach or a teaching and learning method. A descriptor of 250 words should include:

  • strand (best fit from list on conference strands page);
  • title,
  • name(s), affiliation(s), contact email address for the organiser
  • 4 keywords;
  • rationale and/or theoretical background;
  • aims and methods of the proposed activity.

Proposals for round tables will indicate the theme to be discussed by a range of stakeholders sharing a range of views and experiences. Cross-cutting themes that are of interest to a range of educational stakeholders.

Performance/Arts-based Sessions

A performance-based or arts-based session aims to involve participants to work experientially to explore and to reflect on a particular theme. All forms of performance-based activities (i.e. spoken word poetry or narratives, oral storytelling, art forms (including paintings, drawings, sculpture, etc.), drama, dance, walking, digital multimedia presentations, etc.) are welcome. A descriptor of 250 words should include:

  • strand (best fit from list on conference strands page);
  • title, name(s); affiliation(s), contact email address;
  • indication about spaces, any special equipment that might be required and maximum number of participants.

Prizes and awards

Rapid-thesis competition

This year, SERA will hold a Rapid-thesis competition. SERA welcome applications from masters and doctoral students, at any stage of study. Participants will be asked to present their dissertation or thesis verbally in three minutes to an audience with the help of one static PowerPoint slide. Presentations will be judged on comprehension, engagement, and communication style. First prize will be awarded to the most effective presentation.

There are many benefits to squeezing your thesis into a rapid-thesis 3-minute presentation. It challenges students to consolidate and communicate complex ideas in a creative succinct manner, which requires in-depth knowledge of the research and its relevance to education. It is also lot of fun, and great preparation for what is the most commonly asked first viva question!

To apply, please send your name, email address, area of research, course, university and title of your presentation to our conference contact email. Please include “rapid-thesis competition” in the subject line and clearly indicate in your email that you intend to participate in the ‘rapid thesis competition’.


SERA Submission Dates

**Call for papers has been extended to 31st May 2022**

  • Peer review of abstracts will be completed by the end of June 2022.
  • Notification of acceptance will be given on or before week beginning 11th July 2022.

SERA Conference registration arrangements

SERA Conference registration will open at the beginning of May and will be available at https://www.sera.ac.uk/conference/how-to-book/