Paper Session Tips
Introduction: The paper sessions at the ERE are hour long sessions grouped by common
threads in which 4 presentations take place during each session.
Getting Started on your Paper Proposal: A proposal for a paper presentation typically follows
the same format as other proposals. Space is limited (600 - 1000 words*) so try to stick to the
point. The proposal should include the following:
Title - Something that describes your presentation and has a little bit of a catchy edge.
Introduction (100 words*)- Summarize the purpose of your proposal. Describe things such as
how your paper will benefit the target audience that would attend your presentation. Keep it
under 100 words.
Purpose (300-500 words*)- The main section of your proposal might vary significantly due to
the nature of your research. For example, a research study that has been completed will
include a results section whereas a researcher who is submitting a proposed research study will
not have had the chance to collect any data yet. The Keep it between 300 and 800 words.
Completed research will typically include the following items: a) research questions; b) a short
review of literature to position the study; c) an overview of the research methods; d) a
summary of the results; and e) an explanation as to why the results are important.
Proposed research will typically include the following sections: a) research questions; b) a short
review of literature to position the study; c) proposed research methods; d) possible results;
and e) an explanation as to why the study may be beneficial.
Theoretical or methodology research will typically include the following sections: a) justification
of need for new theory/method; b) literature review; c) description of proposed new or altered
theory/method; and d) instructional or research applications.
Position papers will often be similar to the theoretical research papers but typically include the
following sections: a) explanation of new position; b) literature review; c) description of how
the position is different from the past or beneficial to the future; and d) instructional or
research applications.
Reference Section - Follow APA Publication Manual 6th edition guidelines. Since proposals
typically have a word limit when submitted electronically, 5-10 references is about all you'll be
able to fit in.
Creating your Paper for Submission:
Full papers typically contain Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, Results, and Discussion
sections. It is beyond the scope of this document to provide a detailed analysis of each item and
therefore it is suggested that you seek clarification from either faculty or writing centers at your
academic institution if you need clarification on any of these items.
Creating your Presentation:
Oral presentations do not provide you with a lot of time although people who get nervous
speaking may say that it felt like a life time. Here are a couple of suggestions on making sure
that you give a great presentation and enjoy yourself while you are at it:
Summarize your literature review in one slide. Just position your study within the context of
current/historical literature. Practice this, 2-3 minutes is more than enough!
Focus upon the true purpose of the study. What is it that you did? What is it that you propose?
Think about the things that make you excited about your work as that is what the audience
really wants to see.
Save time for your results and/or discussion! You are here to share your experiences and that is
what the audience really wants to hear. Were the results positive/negative? How did you feel
about this and what would you do differently? How would you advise others that follow in your
path? These are the things that really advance the general body of knowledge, not to mention
they are easy to talk about and make the time pass quickly! Think about it, would you rather
talk about the history of some qualitative/quantitative research methodology or would you
rather dive right in and talk about the study that you are proud of? The choice should be
simple.
What to Expect on Presentation Day: A paper session is scheduled in a one hour time period
and includes three or four papers. Each session is organized around a specific topic and is
managed by a session chair who keeps it moving and introduces presenters. Each session also
includes a faculty discussant who provides critical comments on each paper. Each participant
has approximately 12 minutes to summarize her or his paper. Computers and video projectors
are available for presentations. Presenters must bring their presentation materials in electronic
format, preferably on a flash drive. Presenters are encouraged to arrive early at the
presentation venue to familiarize themselves with the room and procedures. Have a backup
plan, since no form of technology is fail-safe. Each participant should provide 10 handouts for
the audience.
*Submission requirements occasionally change so follow the guidelines on the actual
submission requirements document or web page.