Advancing the Conversation: The Roles of Discussants, Session Chairs, and Audience Members at AERA’s Annual Meeting

Abstract

The value of an academic conference lies in its ability to engage attendees in ongoing scholarly conversations. Such engagement depends on presentations that are intellectually sound and effectively delivered, but it also requires thoughtful participation by discussants, session chairs, and audience members. Shared understanding of the responsibilities that accompany these roles would help advance the conversation of educational scholarship. By adhering to a few simple principles, participants at AERA’s annual meeting could better ensure that the conference lives up to its potential for promoting meaningful dialogue.