What types of papers and media does JMEL publish?

Scope and focus

JMEL is an interdisciplinary, online peer-reviewed publication hosted by Sheffield Hallam University. The journal invites contributions from colleagues in varied roles and disciplines who share an enthusiasm for fostering student engagement with learning through the use of user-generated digital and social media.

The journal aims to provide space for discussion of issues relating to learning lifewide through the use of media to enhance transition from a student’s first contact with post-compulsory education to their employment or postgraduate engagement.

Submissions are particularly welcomed where they describe and evidence features of good practice in fostering learning and learner engagement. These may include:

  • Fostering a sense of community and co-operation amongst students

  • Promoting interaction between tutors and students

  • Promoting active learning

  • Encouraging students to spend ‘time on task’

  • Generating and providing students with prompt feedback on their progress

  • Motivating students by establishing high expectations and levels of challenge

  • Respecting and accommodating diverse talents and approaches to learning.

Collaborative submissions are especially welcomed: particularly those that involve colleagues working in different roles or areas of the institution.

Types of submission

The format and methods used by the journal seek to be innovative while demonstrating the rigour expected of an academic journal. The journal welcomes written papers for peer review as well as submissions using non-traditional media formats where such approaches enhance the aims of the journal and understanding of media enhanced learning.

JMEL accepts Research Articles, Case Studies of Practice, Ideas papers, Viewpoints, and Digital Media artefacts. Each submission type (other than Viewpoints) will be accompanied by a written abstract of 300 words and will be peer reviewed.

The journal accepts a range of submissions including:

  • Research articles (3000-5000 words)
    Research articles include original qualitative or quantitative research (analysing primary or secondary data), analysis of policy and strategy, and reviews of theory or literature. All research articles will be expected to apply appropriate methodological rigour.

  • Case studies of practice (2000-3000 words)
    Case studies of practice include examples of pedagogic approaches and approaches to supporting student learning. Case studies are expected to be accompanied by reflection and an evaluation of the impact the practice has had on learning and learner engagement.

  • Ideas for innovative good practice (500-1500 words)
    JMEL welcomes ideas for good innovative practice. Ideas should make reference to and develop recognised pedagogies. JMEL welcomes ideas expressed as scenarios (descriptive, future-looking narratives), curriculum design frameworks (structured guidance for designing curricula, or open thought pieces. In all cases the rationale for the idea should be clear.

  • Viewpoints (500-1500 words)
    Viewpoints are more journalistic in style and may include personal reflections or opinion pieces that aim to start a conversation or contribute to the debate on an particular topic within student engagement or the student experience more broadly.

  • Digital Media submissions will be included in JMEL to inspire readers. They may demonstrate how digital and social media can be used effectively in higher education or they may be used to convey Case studies of practice or Viewpoints using media other than standard text.
    For linear media (e.g. video and audio) the duration will not usually be greater than 5 minutes.
    Nb: written abstracts are required.

The word limits above are given as a guideline. The editorial and peer-review groups will consider and encourage submissions that include digital and social media (e.g. images, video, audio, animations) or are in alternative formats (e.g. posters, presentations, transcripts of conversations) as long as the submission addresses the aims and scope of the journal and meets the criteria for publication.

JMEL is guided by the BERA guidelines.You can check your compliance here: https://www.bera.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/BERA-Ethical-Guidelines-2011.pdf