We are proposing a new initiative for RARE. Why? Well, a few years ago at a conference in Sweden (EARLI), I attended a number of sessions where Australian based researchers were presenting papers as part of expert international panels. I realised that it is not uncommon for us to know little about the research of Australian-based colleagues - we have to travel to the other side of the world to hear about their research. There are many structural and cultural reasons for this state of affairs no doubt - cultural cringe? research quantum? desire to travel? It seemed to me, however, that we should do more to promote our own outstanding scholars, particularly younger academics. So, I proposed to the AARE Executive the following set of procedures:
(i) we identify three or so researchers each year, preferably younger and/or not well known, to contribute a scholarly overview of their field of research, reviewing both Australian and international research, and highlighting the relevance of their research for current educational policies and practices.
(ii) we invite the researchers to present their review at the annual AARE conference. AARE would cover the registration costs of the chosen researchers.
(iii) in addition, the researcher be requested to nominate two discussants to provide commentary on the review. The assumption here is that the discussants would reflect on the research from a different theoretical perspective and seek to highlight complementary and conflicting aspects of the specific issue under focus
(iv) after the conference, we compile the reviews and the discussants' commentaries into a RARE to be published in the subsequent year.
So, this is a call for identifying researchers, topics and possible discussants. If you would like to contribute a review, or would like to nominate a colleague to contribute a review as outlined above, please contact me, Peter Renshaw, at School of Education, University of Queensland, 4072, or e-mail p.renshaw@mailbox.uq.edu.au
What to send
Title of the proposed review paper
500 word summary of the review
List of recent articles that you have published on the topic
Names and contact details of two other researchers to provide commentary.