Reviewer Guidelines

Journal of Integrated Elementary Education is dedicated to publishing high-quality research at the intersection of education theory, practice, and policy in elementary education. To ensure the integrity and scholarly value of the journal, the following guidelines are provided for peer reviewers.

1. Purpose of Review

The primary purpose of the review process is to assess the quality, originality, and relevance of submitted manuscripts, ensuring they meet the journal’s academic standards. Reviews assist editors in making informed decisions about the manuscript’s contribution to elementary education.

2. Scope of Manuscripts

The journal accepts articles on various aspects of integrated elementary education, including but not limited to:

• Curriculum development in elementary schools
• Pedagogical strategies and innovations
• Educational policy and reform impacting elementary education
• Teacher preparation and professional development
• Social, cultural, and psychological factors in elementary education
• Technology integration in the classroom
• Assessment and evaluation of educational practices
• Inclusive education addressing diverse learning needs

Reviewers must ensure that manuscripts align with the journal’s scope and contribute meaningfully to the field.

3. Evaluation Criteria

When reviewing a manuscript, consider the following aspects:

a) Originality and Contribution

• Is the research original, offering new insights or perspectives?
• Does the manuscript contribute significantly to elementary education?
• Does it address a gap in the literature or an important issue?

b) Relevance and Focus

• Is the topic relevant to the journal and field?
• Does it address key challenges for educators, policymakers, or researchers?

c) Research Design and Methodology

• Is the research design clear and appropriate for the questions or hypotheses?
• Are methods valid, reliable, and suited to the study’s aims?
• Are data collection and analysis procedures transparent and rigorous?
• Are the results accurately reported and conclusions well-supported?

d) Clarity and Structure

• Is the manuscript well-organized with a clear introduction, methodology, results, and conclusion?
• Is the writing concise and free from jargon or ambiguities?
• Are tables, figures, and appendices appropriately used to support the text?

e) Theoretical and Literature Foundation

• Does the paper build on a solid theoretical framework?
• Is the literature review comprehensive, current, and relevant?
• Does it engage with key studies and debates in the field?

f) Implications and Practical Applications

• Does the manuscript discuss practical implications for practitioners, policymakers, or researchers?
• Are conclusions and recommendations data-driven and well-founded?

g) Ethical Considerations

• Has the study adhered to ethical standards, including approvals and informed consent?
• Are equity, inclusion, and diversity appropriately addressed?

4. Confidentiality and Objectivity

• Reviewers must keep all submitted manuscripts and related correspondence confidential.
• Reviews should focus on the quality of the work, not the identity of the authors.
• Potential conflicts of interest should be disclosed to the editor.

5. Timeliness

• Reviews should be completed within 2–4 weeks.
• If unable to meet the deadline or assess the manuscript, notify the editor promptly.

6. Recommendations for Decision

Reviewers should provide constructive feedback and recommend one of the following decisions:

• Accept: Suitable for publication with no or minimal revisions.
• Minor Revisions: Requires slight improvements before acceptance.
• Major Revisions: Needs significant changes but has potential for publication.
• Reject: Does not meet the journal’s standards or scope.

7. Feedback to Authors

Provide specific and actionable feedback:

• Highlight strengths and contributions of the manuscript.
• Point out areas for improvement (e.g., clarity, rigor, style).
• Offer clear revision suggestions, avoiding personal biases or harsh language.

8. Ethical Review Process

The peer review process must ensure fairness, transparency, and impartiality. Reviewers must avoid plagiarism, inappropriate citations, or using manuscript content for personal benefit.

9. Conflict of Interest

Avoid reviewing manuscripts where conflicts of interest exist, such as:

• Personal or professional relationships with the authors.
• Recent collaborations with the authors.
• Financial or institutional interests in the research topic.
• Competitive or adversarial relationships with the authors.

Disclose conflicts to the editor and recuse yourself if necessary.

10. Final Remarks

By following these guidelines, reviewers uphold the academic rigor and quality of the Journal of Integrated Elementary Education. Your feedback helps shape research in elementary education, supports scholars’ development, and ensures that impactful work reaches the educational community.

Thank you for your time and effort in maintaining the journal’s scholarly standards.