Call for Emerging Scholars in Service-Learning
We are currently seeking applications from emerging scholars in the K-12 service-learning field who wish to participate in the 2008 Emerging Scholars in Service-Learning Works in Progress Seminar, to be held June 15-17, 2008 at Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts. [Get Application]
Eligibility
* Individuals who are either masters degree students, doctoral students, or post-doctoral researchers and junior faculty within 7 years of receiving their doctoral degrees may apply.
* Applicants must currently have in progress a formal research paper or project that advances the study of service-learning in K-12 education. The research may be at any stage (e.g., building of the conceptual framework, creating or testing measures, data collection, etc.), but the work must already be underway.
* Regardless of the stage of research being conducted, all applications must be prepared to submit a written paper by May 30, 2008 that explains in detail the nature and focus of the research being conducted. This paper should consistent with the type of paper presentations that would be given at research-focused conferences. (For example, an applicant may wish to present a paper on the application of particular theories to an investigation s/he is planning to conduct. Another applicant may wish to present a paper on study findings).
* Preference will be given to applicants who have already submitted paper presentation proposals to the International Service-Learning Research Conference or another research-related gathering.
* Emerging Scholars who participated in the 2007 Works in Progress Seminar are invited to apply to the 2008 Seminar, but must be prepared to discuss a new/different paper than the one presented last year.
* Applications must be accompanied by an official endorsement letter as follows:
Graduate Students: Faculty Advisor endorsement
Junior Faculty: Dean or Department Chair endorsement
Other Researchers: Appropriate organizational official endorsement
The endorsement letter will verify your status as an emerging scholar and endorse your participation in the seminar. Endorsements will be submitted via e-mail to the selection committee. (See Submitting Application section below)
Requirements
All participating emerging scholars must be available to attend the seminar for its full duration. The seminar begins on Sunday, June 15 at 6:30 PM and ends Tuesday, June 17 no later than 4:00 PM.
The seminar will engage each emerging scholar in a presentation of his/her work for the purpose of receiving feedback from senior service-learning scholars, experienced researchers in affiliated fields, and service-learning practitioner/policy experts.
All participating emerging scholars are required to commit themselves to presenting their work at a minimum of one research-focused conference before September 1, 2009.
Each emerging scholar will be paired with a senior service-learning researcher who will serve as a mentor following the seminar. Each emerging scholar is expected to work closely with her/his mentor, and connect with her/him at least twice (either through phone, email, or in-person) prior to presenting his/her work at a research conference.
A total of 12 Emerging Scholars will be selected for the 2008 Seminar.
Travel Support
The Service-Learning Works in Progress Seminar will provide travel support for each Emerging Scholar, up to $750 per person, including airfare, ground transportation, parking, etc. In addition, each Scholar will receive two nights lodging at the conference hotel arranged by Brandeis. All meals during the seminar are included at no cost to the participants.
Travel arrangements will be coordinated directly through the Center for Youth and Communities at Brandeis University.
Application Submission
To apply to serve as an Emerging Scholar, please submit via e-mail the following:
1) A Recent Curriculum Vitae: Please make sure it includes your contact information.
2) A Narrative (not to exceed 1000 words) that addresses the following issues:
a) Personal Background: What is your current position and areas of interest in k-12 service-learning research? What work have you done in the field or affiliated field? What are your goals as a researcher in k-12 service learning? What strengths do you bring to the seminar? What are the areas on which you would like to improve or advance?
b) Description of Work in Progress: Describe the nature of the research project on which you are working. At what stage of development is the project? At what stage will the project be in June? When will it be completed or otherwise ready for presentation at a research conference?
c) Significance of the Research: In what ways does the work you are conducting contribute to the field of k-12 service-learning research? What are the implications of your research for k-12 service-learning policy and practice?
d) Goals for the Seminar : What would you like to gain and learn from the seminar? In what ways do you believe the seminar will enhance your work?
3) Sample of Work in Progress: Provide one sample piece (instrument, conceptual framework pictorial, bibliography, etc.) that provides information about the nature and focus of your research study.
4) A Letter of Endorsement (under separate e-mail or hard copy letter) that states:
Your name
Approval and endorsement for your participation in the seminar as a Service-Learning Emerging Scholar, with reasons why you should be included
The endorser's name, title, and affiliation
Submit all information via email to April Chang at changa @brandeis.edu by Wednesday, April 30, 2008. (Hard copies of endorsement letters can be sent, in lieu of emails, to: Alan Melchior, Center for Youth and Communities, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street – MS035, Waltham, MA 02454. )
All applicants will be notified of their selection by Friday, May 9, 2008. Please address all inquiries about the program or application process to April Chang or Alan Melchior (melchior@brandeis.edu) at Brandeis University.
|