Annual Report

A cursory survey at the network’s business meeting showed that the conference was a success for the Mathematics Education Research Network. Several reasons were mentioned: firstly, the shift from mainly individual papers sessions to now having half of the network’s conference programme being taken up by large international symposia with known international speakers. The high quality and interesting nature and coherence of sessions was mentioned, and the success (this year) of the roundtable format. Thus, and this is ‘minuted’, the Network wants to continue to encourage submission of symposium and roundtable proposals. Secondly, participants highlighted the international nature of the network and the sessions: this year participants came from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and China, to name but a few of the non-European contributors. As many researchers are working in international networks, it is ‘natural’ that they want to present their projects, and ECER seems to have become a place for networks/ meetings. As last year, this was helped by the allocation of only one room for the Network’s sessions, and the network is grateful for the support of the (very helpful) programme administration. It was clear from the business meeting that it is not desirable, at this stage of the network, to expand, that is accept more papers/sessions, but rather go for quality- this vision seemed to have paid of for 2011.
In terms of number of sessions, all sessions were allocated (four symposia, one Roundtable, the rest individual sessions), and no parallel sessions. The individual sessions were grouped under themes. The attendance generally varied between approximately 8 to 30 attendees. All feedback slips had been filled in.

The reviewing process was discussed again at the business meeting. It was decided that the a more rigorous process is preferable to accepting too many contributions.    

The network organised a social meeting, but this was not very well attended this year (4 participants). It was felt that more time is needed for social activities, and the ECER programme is already full with events-> thus no network 24 social event may be organised for 2012.
The business meeting was held during the conference (with 4 participants). It may be best to schedule it at lunchtime.

Minutes

Network 24 Meeting at ECER 2011

Wednesday 14th September 2011

Discussion Issues:

• It was pointed out that within network 24 the international aspect included more than Europe: this year network 24 had contributions from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong/China, beside the European contributions.
• The network had as one of its aims to encourage more symposia and roundtables: it was felt that this aim had been achieved this year and that there was a good balance now between symposia/roundtables and individual papers. In particular the ‘coherence’ symposium was pointed out as particularly interesting.
• Review process: this worked fine this year and the rejection rate was lower than in previous years (also less proposals). It was felt that not more papers should be accepted, but more rigour.
• ECER 2012 programme: balanced programme. However, it was felt that some presenters/participants do not contribute to the community. For example, in some sessions/symposia presenters left before the end of their own symposium -> contributors/presenters should always stay for discussion. In addition, it was mentioned that discussants should take up reflections/points from the sessions.
• Suggestions for next year activities: as in previous years, network 24 has always been involved/participated in the pre-conference. It was suggested to run a whole-day workshop on ‘analysis of visual data in cross-national studies’ at the student conference. Birgit to ask for feasibility.
• It was felt that the collaborative activities with other networks (e.g. inclusion in 2011) worked well and should be continued and encouraged.
• Suggestion for new network co-convenor: Ole Kristian Bergem (University of Oslo). 
• Focus for next year: continuation of ‘methodological issues’ as focus for 2012. It is planned to propose an ‘Invited Roundtable’ (organised by the network convenor/s) on methodological issues in mathematics education, with known researchers in the field of mathematics education.
• Proceedings/publications: the issue of proceedings was discussed again. Birgit will enquire again, but it was felt that this would require a substantial support in terms of time and finance. However, Birgit will ask EERJ about a Special Issue thematic on methodology in mathematics education research.
• Participants asked whether the networks are asked about the theme of ECER each year, suggestions for potential keynote speakers, and in which ways this is expected to permeate the sessions/conference.