We invite you to submit a proposal for a concurrent session paper, roundtable,
or poster at the
33rd Annual Research-to-Practice
Conference (R2P) in
Adult and Higher Education
(Formerly known as
Midwest Research-to-Practice Conference in
Adult, Continuing, Community, & Extension Education).
Together with
The Second Annual BSU Adult, Higher, and Community Education
Research Conference
September 19 & 20, 2014
Hosted at Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana
33rd Annual Research-to-Practice Conference (R2P) in
Adult and Higher Education
Guidelines for Submission
We invite proposals for Concurrent Paper, Poster, and Roundtable Sessions
Proposal Deadline: April 1, 2014 Extended to April 22, 2014
Notification of Acceptance: June 15, 2014
Papers Due: August 1, 2014
Early Bird Registration: August 15, 2014
Conference Dates: September 19 & 20, 2014

All proposals must be submitted electronically via e-mail to r2p@bsu.edu.
You are invited to submit proposals before or by April 22, 2014, to present a concurrent paper,
poster, or roundtable session on September 19-20, 2014 to the program committee of the
33rd Annual Research-to-Practice Conference in Adult and Higher Education (Formerly
known as the Midwest Research-to-Practice Conference in Adult, Continuing, Community, &
Extension Education).
We encourage all adult and/or higher education practitioners, academic scholars, graduate
students, and others to submit for this engaging conference experience.
Conference Purpose Statement: In an effort to dynamically build a collaborative community
among researchers and practitioners, the National Research-to-Practice (R2P) Conference
supports new research, explores policy, and showcases industry best practices through
interaction with innovative established professionals in the field of adult learning.
CONFERENCE AREAS OF FOCUS
The conference solicits proposals in eight categories:
1.
Practitioner Concerns
2.
Reports on Research
3.
Evaluation Studies
4.
Methods and Issues in Research
5.
Best Practices (Introduced in 2011)
6.
Trends and Issues in Adult and/or Higher Education (Introduced in 2013)
7.
Technology in Teaching and Learning (New in 2014)
8.
Educational Policy within Adult and/or Higher Education (New in 2014)
33rd Annual Research to Practice Conference
Poster and Roundtables
Poster and roundtable abstracts will be included in the conference proceedings. Research in
progress is appropriate for roundtable sessions. Some of the proposals for conference
presentation may be invited as a poster or roundtable session. Upon acceptance for a poster
session or roundtable, please include a 50-word abstract for poster and roundtable sessions that
will be included in the proceedings.
Attention Graduate Students
Graduate student scholars are encouraged to submit for all sessions. Papers authored solely by
graduate students will be considered for a graduate student research award.
September 19 & 20, 2014 at Ball State University, Muncie, IN. See you there.
3
33rd Annual Research to Practice Conference
The eight categories for proposals are described as follows:
PRACTITIONER CONCERNS.
This category addresses questions and concerns regarding practitioners' work in adult, continuing,
extension, and community education programs. Proposals may address problems and/or solutions
in areas of practice such as curriculum design, strategy selection, teaching and learning, or
program implementation. They may also address how practitioners view research related to their
concerns.
Proposals should include the following:
 A description or outline of the concerns or questions
 The importance of the concerns to both research and practice in adult, continuing,
extension, higher, and community education
 Reference to various approaches that have attempted to deal with the concerns
 A discussion of the way in which the concerns or questions related to the conference
theme of linking theory and practice
 A brief description of how the session or presentation will address these concerns
Criteria for selection:
 The practitioner concern is described or delineated
 The concern is within one or more contexts of practice in adult, continuing, extension,
higher, and community education
REPORTS ON RESEARCH.
This category features reports on qualitative or quantitative research studies and their
implications for practice.
Proposals should include the following:
 The research questions or hypotheses - The importance of the research to the practice
of adult, continuing, extension, and community education
 The methodology
 Stage of the research at the time of the proposal; if not completed, the expected
completion date
 A summary of the findings/conclusions
 Implications of applications of the finding to practice or theory
 A brief description of how the session/presentation will be organized
Criteria for selection:
 The linkage of research to practice is addressed
 The research question has defined a specific area of inquiry
 The conduct of the inquiry exhibits rigorous standards of inquiry suitable to the study
 Contributions to knowledge and practice are evident
 Demonstrates creativity by the researcher's methods and insights
September 19 & 20, 2014 at Ball State University, Muncie, IN. See you there.
4
33rd Annual Research to Practice Conference
EVALUATION STUDIES.
This category features reports on studies involving needs assessment, priority setting, goal
analysis, evaluation, or other forms of applied research.
Proposals should include the following:
 The purpose or focus of the evaluation
 Its importance to the practice of adult, continuing, extension, and community
education
 The methodology
 Stage of the evaluation project at the time of the proposal; if not completed, the
expected completion date
 The implications and uses of the results in practice and/or theory
 A brief description of how the session/presentation will be organized
Criteria for selection:
 The lineage of evaluation research to practice is addressed
 The evaluation study shows a specific focus, the identification or users and/or
stakeholder, dissemination and use, and a contribution to the improvement of practice
 Feasibility is clearly demonstrated by practical procedures, political soundness and
credibility, recognition of constraints, and cost-effectiveness
 Demonstration of propriety in terms of ethics, legality, and humanism
 Demonstration of clearly rigorous and sound procedures suitable to the study
METHODS AND ISSUES IN RESEARCH.
This category features controversial and critical questions vital to linking research and practice,
such as research methods, ethics, the use of research in practice, practice-generated needs for
research, and processes by which researchers determine the areas in which to conducts research.
Proposals should include the following:
 A description of the issue or summary of the points at issue
 The importance of the issue to research and practice in adult, continuing, extension,
and community education
 An explanation of models and/or illustrations of new insights or challenges on the
issue to be offered by the presenter(s)
 A discussion of the way in which the issue relates to the conference theme of linking
theory and practice
 A brief description of how the session/presentation will address the issue
Criteria for selection:
 How clearly the research issues are described or delineated
 How important the concern is within one or more particular contexts of practice in
adult, continuing, extension, and community education
 How clearly the proposal specifies new or expanded insights to be presented with
regard to the research issues
September 19 & 20, 2014 at Ball State University, Muncie, IN. See you there.
5
33rd Annual Research to Practice Conference


How clearly linkages of research and theory to practice are addressed in the proposal
How clearly organized and creatively and dynamically presented the proposed session
appears
BEST PRACTICES.
This category features best practices that are characterized by respectful acknowledgment of the
learner’s previous experience; adaptability to changes in the learner’s circumstances during the
course of learning; ongoing supportive engagement and interaction between the learner and the
facilitator in creating a climate conducive to learning, need assessment, setting goals, designing
the plan, managing the experience, and evaluating outcomes; and positive reinforcement or
feedback to the learner.
Proposals should include the following:
 Describing the learning activity being considered and how it may solve a problem or
address a concern
 Importance of this best practice to the field of adult, continuing, extension, or
community education
 Identifying the techniques used for actively engaging the learners
 Articulating the learning theory or theories that inform and support the techniques
 Discussion of how this best practice relates to the conference of research and practice
 Why the author thinks it qualifies as a best practice
 Brief description of how the session presentation will make visible this practice as
one of the best
Criteria for selection:
 Describing the learning activity being considered and how it may solve a problem or
address a concern
 How clearly the proposal describes this best practice
 How important this activity could be within one or more contexts of adult, continuing,
extension, or community education
 How clearly this best practice is validated and justified as to why the presenter
considers it a best practice
 Whether creativity is exemplified by the author’s reach toward active learner
involvement
 How well thought out, refined, and applicable this best practice appears to be
September 19 & 20, 2014 at Ball State University, Muncie, IN. See you there.
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33rd Annual Research to Practice Conference
TRENDS AND ISSUES IN ADULT AND/OR HIGHER EDUCATION.
This category focuses on ways in which adult and/or higher education institutions are
reexamining their organizational structures and the ways in which students’ access and
experience learning within the context of increasing costs and globalization. Current issues in
research include globalization and the internationalization of adult and/or higher education, the
process of teaching and learning, the use of technology to increase creativity, redefining space,
governance, resource allocation, and financial issues. Research or critical essays addressing
issues within adult and/or higher education from an administrative, faculty, student, or
community viewpoint, along with other related topics, will be considered for presentation.
Proposals should include the following:
 An abstract of your study or a summary of essay
 Links to current research that supports your position or findings
 Creative solutions to current issues under study or discussed
 A description of how the presenter will engage those in attendance in discussion related
to your presentation
Criteria for selection:
 Topic is a current issue within the fields of adult and/or higher education
 Evidence of clarity in understanding the problem
 Evidence of knowledge related to theory and methodology
 Quality of questions to engage others in a discussion of the topic
TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING (New in 2014)
This category focuses on ways that technology is being used as a tool for teaching and learning.
Presentations in this category could include: reports of innovative and/or exemplary practice
using technology; critical reviews of important literature, materials, and devices related to the
field; summaries of research translated into practical application; or other trends and issues of
national and international significance.
Proposals should include the following:
 A description of the technology or issues related to technology being discussed
 The importance of the issue to research and practice in adult, higher, and continuing
education
 New insights, models, concepts, or challenges related to technology and its use to be
offered by the presenter(s)
 A discussion of the way in which the issue relates to the conference theme of linking
theory and practice
 A brief description of how the session/presentation will address the issue
Criteria for selection:
 Topic is a current issue or future trend related to the use of technology in teaching and
learning of adults.
 The proposal specifies new or expanded insights to be presented with regard to issues of
technology.
September 19 & 20, 2014 at Ball State University, Muncie, IN. See you there.
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33rd Annual Research to Practice Conference


Linkages of research and theory to practice are addressed in the proposal.
Evidence of strategies to engage attendees in topic discussion.
EDUCATIONAL POLICY WITHIN ADULT AND/OR HIGHER EDUCATION
This category explores the relationship between educational policy at the state or federal level, as
well as accreditation, within adult and/or higher education. Both adult and higher education are
facing new accreditation standards, federal and state funding formulas, and shifting policies. This
category provides an opportunity for research or critical essays addressing policy issues within
an adult and/or higher education viewpoint, along with other related topics.
Proposals should include the following:
 Background related to the educational policy being presented, including historical
significance and future implications.
 Links to current research that supports recommendations or findings.
 Critical reflections or creative solutions to current policies being discussed.
 A description of how the presenter will engage those in attendance in discussion related
to your presentation
Criteria for selection:
 Policy issues are clearly described or delineated
 Proposal specifies new or expanded insights regarding the policy issues
 How important the policy issue or concern is within one or more particular contexts of
practice in adult, continuing, or higher education
 Linkages of research and theory to practice are addressed.
 Evidence of strategies to engage attendees in topic discussion.
CONFERENCE FORMAT
September 19, 2014 – Morning Sessions will include 2 Pre-conference Workshops
1) For those interested in Instructional Design and Technology issues (presented by
BSU ILearn),
2) For graduate students in adult and/or higher education (with invited presenters).
The morning sessions are included in the cost of the full registration, or may be
registered for separately.
Lunch will be provided for all and will be the opening of the full conference.
The Evening Event will have appetizers and a short program of “Speed Research”
for Graduate Students (30-45 minutes). Then all will interact and network with each other.
(Please use the colorful form at the end of this document to apply.)
Saturday, September 20, 2014 - Morning and Afternoon Sessions with breakfast and lunch
provided.
More information will follow about the full program.
September 19 & 20, 2014 at Ball State University, Muncie, IN. See you there.
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33rd Annual Research to Practice Conference
SUBMISSION PROCEDURES:

Published papers or presentations given at earlier professional meetings are not to
be submitted.

Proposal Deadline: April 22, 2014

Proposals should be saved as a .pdf or MS Word .doc and emailed to –
r2p@bsu.edu.

Each proposal should not exceed three double-spaced pages.

In the body of the e-mail message, include the following:

Title of the paper

Contact information for all authors (include, name, address, telephone
number, and e-mail address)

If your paper is solely authored by graduate students and you would
like to be considered for the “Excellence in Research” award, please
indicate that in the cover email.

-Warrant statement:
"I (We) warrant that if this paper is accepted. I (we) will submit a six-page
(single-spaced typed) paper for inclusion in the Conference Proceedings. I
(we) understand if this paper is not received in electronic form in MS
Word (ver. 6.0 or higher) by August 1, 2014, this paper will not be
included as part of the proceedings."

Submit the proposal, which is not to exceed three double-spaced pages, as an
attachment in Word (ver. 6.0 or higher). Type only the title, proper category, and
session preference (concurrent paper, roundtable, or poster) at the top of the first
page and do not type the author(s)' names anywhere on the proposal. Observe
standard margins (1" on sides and bottom and 1-1/2" on top of page). Use 12point Times or Times New Roman font.

Proposals must be received electronically by Midnight April 15, 2014.

Notifications of acceptance will be sent to presenters by June 15, 2014. If your
paper, poster or roundtable session is accepted, please register promptly.
Registration is expected for all presenters participating in the conference.

Sessions without registration will not be placed on the conference program.
For further information, contact Dr. Michelle Glowacki-Dudka at r2p@bsu.edu or by
phone 765-702-4789.
September 19 & 20, 2014 at Ball State University, Muncie, IN. See you there.
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33rd Annual Research to Practice Conference
2014 Friday Evening “Speed Research Graduate Student
Presentations” Form
Deadline for Receipt of Proposals: April 22, 2014
Friday, September 19 - Evening Event
Ball State University Student Center, Muncie, IN
Theme: Innovation in Scholarship and Practice of Teaching and Learning
Purpose of the Speed 

Research

Presentation
Format of the Speed
Research
Presentation

Each presenter will have two minutes to present his/her research
project.

Presenters will solicit suggestions from the audience about the
questions/puzzles they have.
If the presenters have no questions to ask, they can share the most significant
parts of their research.
Presenters will post their proposal abstract and questions they have in the
Speed-Research Twitter.
The audience may post their suggestions in the Speed-Research Twitter.
You will be given more detailed information about how to post in the SpeedResearch Twitter before the conferences.




Types of Your topic
(Please mark or
highlight the type of
your topic)
To allow graduate students to present a snapshot of their research projects.
To solicit suggestions from the audience about the graduate student research
To build quick connections among the presenters and the audience based on their
research topics.





Dissertation
Empirical research
Model or Theory Development
Theorizing from the Literature
Others (Please specify the type)
Title of your proposal
Abstract of your
proposal
(Less than 150
words)
Please include the following elements if possible:





Purpose of your proposal
Main perspectives/Theoretical framework
Methods used
Results/findings
Implications/The most significant parts of your study
September 19 & 20, 2014 at Ball State University, Muncie, IN. See you there.
10
33rd Annual Research to Practice Conference
Questions you want
to ask or the main
points you want to
discuss/share with
the audience
Deadline for receipt
April 15, 2014.
of proposals
Send proposals in a
Word format via
The title of your email: 2014 Speed Research Proposal, (your name)
In the body of the email message, include the following:
email as an
attachment to
bchang@bsu.edu
2014 R2P & 2nd ACE

Title of the proposal:

Contact information:

Name:

Affiliation:

Email address:

Telephone number:
Sherry Bryant, Bo Chang, Richard Edwards, Cathy Mullett
Pre- Conference
Steering Committee
If you have questions, please email to: r2p@bsu.edu
For more details go to: http://learnovation.com/R2P-2014/home.html
September 19 & 20, 2014 at Ball State University, Muncie, IN. See you there.
11