The Peer Review Process in Science Education Journals

Abstract

In this paper, I explore the peer review process in electronic and print science education journals. The topics I address include how to submit manuscripts, criteria for reviews, reviewer qualifications, blind reviews, the qualifications and role of editors and associate editors, time lines, the most common reasons why manuscripts are rejected, writing to the journal audience and, how to interpret letters from editors. I include recommendations for responding to reviewers' comments when revising manuscripts and how to show editors that appropriate changes have been made to a manuscript. I conclude with a discussion of how the review process is a self-regulating mechanism that shapes the field.