Discussion Groups / Seminars

Educational Theory Discussion Group

Educational Theory has been published at the University of Illinois for more than fifty years. It is considered a leading journal of theoretical work across the educational disciplines, with a special emphasis in the philosophy of education, and is known for having very high editorial standards.

The Journal sponsors an Editorial Discussion Group, in which students read, discuss, and evaluate selected essays under consideration for publication. The purpose of the group is to give students a chance to see manuscripts under review at the journal, to participate in critical discussions of their merits and publishability, and to get a better sense of why some papers get published and others do not. Often the group's discussions are about general editorial issues (such as, What is the real value of anonymous reviewing?) as well as about the substance and content of the articles under review.

This forum has proved to be a very helpful and informative activity for students, both in terms of helping to shape the editorial content of the journal, and in learning more about the often hidden processes behind the publishing end of our business.

Philosophy of Education Discussion Group

The Philosophy of Education discussion group primarily comprises faculty and students in Philosophy of Education, but other university faculty and students are welcome. The group meets about five times a semester, to discuss papers and work in progress and a discussion follows. The purpose of the session is to give feedback to authors who are submitting work for publication or conference presentation, but also to cultivate a spirit of support and sharing of ideas. Visitors and invited faculty also regularly present work there.