Call for Submissions

The conference committee cordially invites you to submit abstracts that explore the theme of Co-Constructing Excellence: Recognising, Scaffolding and Building Excellence in University Learning and Teaching. This broad theme provides an opportunity for various stakeholders to discuss the complex issues involved and work towards building some consensus around co-constructing excellence in university teaching and learning.

Abstracts that focus on how we define and measure teaching excellence, and how we set about building, recognising, and reinforcing a culture of teaching excellence are particularly welcome. Contributions that discuss or interrogate the meaning of ‘excellence’ and its ideological implications are also welcome.

Specific topics may include, but are not limited to the following: recognition schemes and international benchmarks; the role of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning; teaching and research nexus; building teaching and learning communities; teaching academies; leadership development in teaching and learning; and mentoring and coaching.

Types of Submission

(1) Paper (20 minutes per paper; A paper session may contain 3 to 4 papers.)

A paper explores one or more aspects of the conference theme, presents the initiatives or practices, and provides and discusses evidence on their effectiveness. A 500-word abstract needs to be submitted, which should contain the following elements:

• Background / context
• The initiative / practice that develops and / or promotes teaching and learning
• Method(s) of data / evidence collection and analysis
• Discussion / remarks on the effectiveness of the initiative/ practice

The criteria for review include the quality of the abstract, the relevance to the conference theme, and the standard of writing.

The paper presentation will be allocated 20 minutes (15-minute presentation; 5-minute questions and discussion)

Please note that the review will be based on the abstract and there is no need to submit a full-length paper.

It is expected that at least one author of the paper will register for the conference and present the work in person.

(2) Join-the-Conversation Session (60 minutes for three to four presenters)

A join-the-conversation session provides opportunities for a lively discussion around a particular topic. It consists of three to four presenters who will share their practices and serve on a panel to engage audiences in questions and discussion.

A 500-word abstract needs to be submitted, which should contain the following elements:

• Descriptions of the topic and its relevance to the conference themes
• The strategy / initiative / practice that is relevant to the topic
• Three to five critical questions that will be explored around the topic
• Information of each presenter and the coherence among the contributions made by each presenter (for coordinated submissions only)

One Join-the-Conversation Session is expected to have three to four presenters. Both individual and coordinated submissions are welcome. Individual presenters will be grouped according to their topics. Coordinated submissions need to be made by one lead presenter who will liaise with the other two or three presenters and chair the discussion.

Each presenter is expected to talk briefly about his or her strategy / initiative / practice for 5 minutes (PowerPoint is optional) and then join the other presenters in the same session to engage audiences in questions and discussion.

The criteria for review include the quality of the abstract, the significance of the topic, the relevance to the conference theme, and the standard of writing.

It is expected that the presenter will register for the conference and present the work in person.

(3) Poster

A poster explores one or more aspects of the conference themes and outlines the relevant issues, initiatives, or practices. A 300-word summary of the poster needs to be submitted, which should contain the following elements:

• Background / context
• The initiative / practice that develops and / or promotes teaching and learning Or the main issues / arguments that need to be discussed
• Remarks and implications

The criteria for review include the quality of the summary, the relevance to the conference theme, and the standard of writing.

Please note that the review will be based on the summary and there is no need to submit a poster for review.

It is expected that at least one author will register and attend the conference in person and present the work.

More information for the poster preparation can be found below:

Size

• A1 (594 x 841 mm)
• The orientation of the poster must be in vertical ‘portrait’ style.

Design

• Colour images such as pictures, symbols, and charts / graphs are greatly encouraged.
• Please consider including your name, institution and contact as other participants might wish to reach you after the conference.

Printing and display

• Participants are required to print and bring their own poster.
• The poster will be displayed throughout the conference. There will also be a 30-minute interactive poster session for authors and participants to engage in a lively discussion.