The relationship between theory and practice is a primary concern within the field of Education.  Researchers are often criticized for being too far removed from authentic, everyday classroom experiences.  In contrast, teachers may have little time to incorporate theory into their practice. Nevertheless, theory and practice reciprocally influence each other on multiple levels forming a symbiotic relationship that is in need of exploration. Dr. Vanderlinde suggests, “educational research has a twofold goal: the production of knowledge and the improvement of the educational practice” (Vanderlinde et al, 2010).  The EGSS 2014 conference is a venue for all educational researchers and practitioners to share their ideas and contribute their understanding of the complexities of this relationship

Proposals:

We invite proposals that address and explore the complexities in the relationship between research and practice in education. We welcome proposals from students, researchers, and practitioners across Canada and internationally. We are interested in experiences from a diverse range of contexts including academic, classroom-based, social, political, and cultural community settings. Submissions and presentations may be in either English or French. We are offering awards for the best MA and PhD proposals as well as a travel award for students interested in coming to Montreal to present.

Individual Paper Session (includes papers with multiple authors)

This format is to present data from a finished paper, academic findings, or a work in progress. Each presenter will be allotted 15 minutes to give an overview of his or her findings, followed by 10 minutes for questions from the audience.

Paper Proposal Requirements

Submission should be a 250-word (Maximum), APA style, Abstract. All proposals will be peer-reviewed and the best proposals will be selected. The abstract of the presentation should address the following:

(a) Purpose

(b) Perspective(s) or theoretical framework

(c) Educational importance of the study

If applicable:

(d) Methods and data source(s)

(e) Results, conclusions and/or interpretations

Interactive Poster Session (includes posters with multiple authors)

A single author or a group of co-authors may prepare a paper for presentation in an

interactive poster format. Poster session presenters will be grouped with others in similar themes for a 90-minute time block.

Poster Proposal Requirements

Submission should be a 250-word (Maximum), APA style, Abstract. All proposals will be peer-reviewed and the best proposals will be selected. The abstract of the presentation should address the following:

(a) Purpose

(b) Perspective(s) or theoretical framework

(c) Educational importance of the study

If applicable:

(d) Methods and data source(s)

(e) Results, conclusions and/or interpretations

Symposium/Workshop

Groups of participants who wish to present together on a unified topic/theme should submit their proposal as a symposium. Symposium submissions can involve a minimum of four to a maximum of ten participants. The goals of the symposium should be clear and focused, as should the role of each participant and his/her topic. Each symposium session will be given a 90-minute time block in the program. Symposium proposals must be submitted as a single document; they may not contain individual papers. If your proposal is accepted, the organizer(s) of each symposium will then be required to identify a chair and possible discussants as well as allocate the necessary time between the presentations to allow for a final discussion period within the 90-minute block.

Symposium/Workshops Proposal Requirements

Submission should be a 500 word (Maximum), APA style, Abstract. All proposals will be peer-reviewed and the best proposals will be selected. The abstract of the presentation should address the following:

(a) Objectives of the session

(b) Overview of the presentation

(c) Scholarly or scientific significance

(d) Structure of the session

Alternative Format

Participants who wish to present as a group, or in an alternative format (e.g. poetry, theater performance, exhibition, etc…) on a unified topic/theme should submit their proposal according to the submission process highlighted in this section.  No limit is imposed on the number of presenters for the alternative presentations. The goals of the presentations should be clear and focused. Each session will be given a 30-minute time block in the program. Proposals must be submitted as a single document; they may not contain individual papers.

Alternative Format Proposal Requirements

Submission should be a 500 word (Maximum), APA style, Abstract. All proposals will be peer-reviewed and the best proposals will be selected. The abstract of the presentation should address the following:

(a) Objectives of the session

(b) Overview of the presentation

(c) Scholarly or scientific significance

(d) Structure of the session

(e) *For the Alternative submission, please identify the equipment/space needed for the presentation. This is not included in the 500 word limit.

Submission Process:

1. Please submit your proposal as a Word document, saved as: ‘Familyname, First name-EGSS2014’, by e-mail attachment to egssconference2014@gmail.com by January 31, 2014. Please submit only one proposal as a first author.

2.  Include the following details in your proposal:

• Author(s) names and program (undergraduate, MA, PhD, teacher, professor, etc.)
• Affiliation
• Email address
• Presentation type (paper, poster, symposium/workshop)
• Presentation title
• Special requirements (e.g., data projector): We will provide PC laptops. Please bring your own Mac adaptor.
• 50-word author bio for each author (to appear in the conference proceedings)

3. On a separate page:

• Presentation title
• Abstract (200 words or papers and posters; 100 words per presenter for panels and roundtables; 300 words for workshops): Please include word count.
• 50-word synopsis (to appear in conference proceedings)

**We also encourage submission from research communities other than that of McGill University.  If you have questions regarding the submission process, we welcome you to submit a draft to us in which we could discuss how to present your work at our conference**

Evaluation Criteria:

• Relevance to the field
• Evidence of a theoretical or conceptual framework and links to previous research
• Clearly stated research design in the case of empirical studies
• Organization and clarity
• Symposium/workshops: evidence of engagement with audience

You will receive confirmation of acceptance by early February. For any inquiries, please contact egssconference2014@gmail.com.