The Design and Technology Association (Data) has introduced a new journal - Design and Technology Education: an International Journal. The mission of the new publication, which replaces the previous Data journal, is to publish high-quality research and scholarly and review papers reflecting the increasingly international influence of DT education.
There will be three issues each year and it is hoped the international appeal will attract increased interest. Eddie Norman will edit the new journal along with co-editors Clare Benson and myself.
Why have a journal at all? Well, it would be difficult to imagine any profession wishing to be taken seriously without a professional journal.
Second, and perhaps of even greater importance, teachers are exposed to an enormous amounts of indiscriminate information, and it is often difficult to discern what is fact and what is fiction.
All papers published in the journal will go though a rigorous blind adjudication process and are chosen on the basis of relevance, strength of research and quality of argument.
There is a danger, however, that the journal could become detached from teachers and it is important they contribute by submitting their own research. Many teachers in education today are using research to inform their practice, and many are undertaking research through professional development programmes and research bursaries.
Submissions relating to primary, secondary and higher education, as well as initial teacher training, are all welcome, and members of the editorial team are willing to discuss potential contributions.
David Spendlove is lecturer in education at the University of Manchester and a member of Data’s council of management.
Email: David.Spendlove@ manchester.ac.uk
www.data.org.uk
