About the Journal

Focus and Scope

This journal contains the abstracts and additional materials of all papers presented at each annual Innovations in Teaching & Learning conference organized by George Mason University's Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning. The conference showcases the pedagogy, strategies, activities, assignments, tools, and technologies that Mason faculty, and those supporting faculty in the classroom, are using to have a positive impact on the student learning experience across disciplines at the university level.

Peer Review Process

Abstracts are peer reviewed by 3-5 reviewers, who evaluate them based on:

  1. AUDIENCE: The topic is broad enough that folks from other disciplines, modalities (online, hybrid, face-to-face), or levels (graduate vs. undergraduate) will find the broader message helpful.
  2. TOPIC: The topic is innovative for teaching and learning or reframes previous techniques/theories in a new or unifying way (such as best/evidence-based practices).
  3. THEME CONNECTION: The topic is connected to this year's theme and/or there an indication that the presentation will connect to ITL's ongoing focus on activities that have students reflecting, critically analyzing, or thinking creatively. Priority will be given to proposals that also make a connection to research on learning.
  4. MASON-FOCUSED: The proposal features resources unique to Mason or Mason-related signature learning themes (e.g., technology-enhanced teaching and learning, teaching in active learning classrooms, designing for engaged learning, strategies for working with international/multilingual students, inquiry and research-based courses, mentoring/advising, strategies for incorporating mindfulness/well-being into learning, and experiential learning).
  5. Teaching principles informing activity/strategy are indicated or informing literature is cited
  6. Relevant context details are present (type of courses or discipline approach tried in; type of students: undergraduate, graduate, majors, non-majors, etc.; if a resource, indication of location/hours/contacts, etc.).

Publication Frequency

This journal is expected to be published annually, corresponding with the annual conference in Fall. Submissions for the Fall conference are accepted early Spring.

Open Access Policy

This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.

ISSN

2379-8432