A Beginner’s Guide to AERA
Meghan Manfra, PhD
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A Beginner’s Guide to AERA from Dr. Meghan Manfra
If this is your first AERA or you’ve been going for a while, welcome!? I’ve been going to AERA conferences for over 20 years (!) Here are some tips for making the most of your conference [that’s probably taking up a whole lot of your professional development budget ??]
Before you go:?
Prepare for your presentation - This probably goes without saying, but preparation is key. By this point, you should have already submitted your paper to the discussant.? Be sure to review the format for your presentation (paper session, roundtable, poster, etc.) and locate your session in the program.? I always like to attend a presentation in the same space before my presentation, so that I can get a feel for the room.???
You may want to reach out to the chair of the session to confirm the amount of time that will be allotted to each speaker.? Be aware that everything is subject to change. At my very first AERA, I assumed that we each had 10-15 minutes, but at the conference the chair changed things up to “allow for more time for discussion” and we were each cut down to 6 minutes.??
These days most presenters use some type of presentation software [PowerPoint, Google Slides, or, more recently Canva]. As you are developing your slides, keep in mind tips for effective presentations [see for example:? https://www.presentationzen.com/ ].? And, although you probably spent a lot of time on your review of the literature, your audience will be interested in your methods and findings.? That is where you will add to the knowledge base and represent your unique contribution to the field - be sure to fully present this portion of your research.??
Design your personalized program - In the old days, AERA would hand out a phone-book sized conference program. Today you can visit the on-line program and download the conference’s mobile app (directions here: https://www.aera.net/Events-Meetings/Annual-Meeting/Program).? ??
It’s good to plan ahead a couple of sessions for each day. Consider clustering sessions according to location/hotel and attend a variety of session types. For instance, large group sessions like a presidential or vice presidential session can be inspiring.? The business meetings for your divisions or SIGs provide opportunities for professional development and networking. Smaller paper sessions or, even more intimate, round table and poster sessions provide more of a chance to ask questions of the author(s).? A major benefit of AERA is the opportunity to explore interests outside of your main field/discipline.??
Upload your Covid vaccine information - According to AERA, “The team with 2023 AERA Annual Meeting is committed to the health and safety of their attendees and is using SafeAccess, a web-based, secure portal to ensure compliance with the health and safety policies while on-site.”
During the conference?
Enjoy the sessions and pace yourself - It is OK to attend a session just long enough to hear the paper of interest. Take notes and jot down contact information to follow up with the authors after the conference.??
Don’t forget the exhibit hall - This year it will be in the? Hyatt Regency Chicago (Riverside Center, East Tower) beginning Thursday, April 13, 2023 through Sunday, April 16.? The exhibit hall is a great place to talk to publishers and meet authors. You can also get a visual about the topics that are? drawing crowds. Sometimes you can get good discounts on books and other teacher materials, and, of course, don’t forget to bring back freebies for your students or teacher friends!? Who doesn’t need a new supply of stress balls and post-it notes?! ?
Be ready to network - AERA provides an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and to meet new colleagues.? Lindsey Lathrop-Ryan, MBA, PCC, FIO recommends creating a QR code that connects to your LinkedIn page [see her course on Optimizing Your LinkedIn page].? You can use Canva to generate a QR code which you can screen capture to your phone.? Traditional business cards also work.?
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Follow on social media -? AERA regularly posts content on:?
Add your own content using #AERA23 to promote your presentations and to share your research.?
After the conference
Attend the virtual meeting (May 4-5) - Attendees for the place-based meeting in Chicago are automatically registered for and able to access and attend the virtual component of the meeting on the platform at no extra charge.
Sign up to be a reviewer for AERA 2024 - The deadline to sign up as a reviewer is April 28, 2023. For more information:? see the call for reviewers. This is a great way to engage in professional service and gain exposure to current research in your field of expertise.? Being a reviewer also provides insight about the review process and criteria for the annual meeting.??
Plan your proposal for 2024 - Next year the conference will take place in Philadelphia (April 11-14). The call for proposals for the 2024 annual conference will likely come out after the 2023 conference ends with proposals due in the summer. Paper submission tips can be found here: ??
Share your tips: I’d love to hear your tips and tricks for making the most of your AERA conference.? Please share in the comments.??
In the meantime, safe travels and enjoy your time in Chicago!?
PS: For even more tips see also the AERA Graduate Student Executive Board How to AERA Digital Guidebook
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1 年Thank you for sharing, this is much needed!
Researcher, Writer, Speaker — ?? about how people achieve really big things. People and organizations hire me when they need a speaker or consultant who will translate research, stories, and best practices into action.
1 年What a great post idea!