New York College Learning Skills Association

RTDE Manuscript Guidelines

Acceptable Submissions:

Manuscripts that detail original research (case studies, ethnographies, statistical treatments) are appropriate submissions. Implications for developmental educators should be clearly described in the research report.
Manuscripts that address teaching practices, program design or measurement will be considered for publication provided the research and/or theory that inform them are clearly articulated in the manuscript.
Abstracts of a body of research in pertinent fields (e.g., counseling, psychology, linguistics, cognitive science, etc.) will be considered for publication.

In addition, the author of an acceptable submission will:

Make clear to the readers why the author is inviting their attention to his/her ideas. The significance of the topic should be explicitly stated, and not belabored.
State the purpose or intention of the manuscript so readers have a clear sense of direction and content.
Demonstrate that the author is familiar with others' work in the field. Extensive summaries or reviews of research are not necessary; however, references to works and to questions addressed should be included when the references enable readers to understand how the manuscript represents a departure from, or an elaboration or refinement of, these other works.
Limit references to the author's other publications or works in progress. The manuscript should reflect a broad base of research.
Be as concise as possible. Background information that is not absolutely essential to understanding or documenting the ideas being discussed should not be included in the manuscript.
Avoid technical language or jargon as much as possible. Vocabulary should be clear and concise. Technical terms should be clearly defined.
Support conclusions with sufficient evidence.
Discuss importance of conclusions and the implications for teaching and/or further research.
Follow APA guidelines for documentation in the manuscript.
Include four paper copies of the manuscript (an original and three photocopies) for review.