On manuscript preparation and journal submission: Case of MTL and JRME Shuk-kwan S. Leung National Sun Yat-sen University June 20th, 2008

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)

Manuscript Preparation  Cover letter file  Manuscript file  Figures and tables  Appendix  Reference Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

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.

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?

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.

Submission: Which journal?  Aims and scope  Nature of articles  Journal requirements  Acceptance rate  International Standing

MTL (Mathematical Thinking and Learning: An International Journal)  Editor: Lyn D. English  Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group (2008~); Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.(1999~2008)

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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; submissions per year; 10% acceptance)  Editor: Steven R. Williams  Publisher: NCTM

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.

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.

JRME Reviewers’ Recommendations  Accept the manuscript “as is” (i.e., without further revisions or additional review)  Accept the manuscript pending revisions but without additional review  Reject the manuscript, but encourage the author to revise and resubmit a new version for additional review(s)  Reject the manuscript

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)

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?

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”

References:  Silver, E. A., Sowder, J. T. (2006). Lecture on “Publishing Research In Mathematics Education: Advice from Two Recent Editors of The Journal For Research In Mathematics Education” Sowder ( ); Silver ( ). 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.

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!