Preparing for the Paper Sessions

We got a few questions regarding the format of the paper sessions. So, let me try to elaborate a bit on that topic before we finally come together in Tallinn.

In the Call for Papers we had stated the following:

“The PLE Conference treats written submissions of academic work and the presentation of it as two totally different practices…”

What we mean by that is that during the actual conference event we really want to use our written products only as a sort of backdrop. So, instead of trying to “cover” your entire paper in any comprehensive way, we would expect you to provide some conversational triggers or hooks that engage other participants and that invite controversial exchanges.

We do not expect that we will be able to treat all topics and questions within the allocated sessions alone. The overall programme is designed to allow for various opportunities to carry on with conversations throughout the entire conference. So, relax… and treat the “paper sessions” mainly as conversation starters.

Please prepare for “presenting” your contribution roughly along the following guiding questions:

  1. What problem/challenge/question does your contribution address?
  2. What are your main insights?
  3. What are the limitations/weaknesses of your contribution?
  4. What would you like to discuss/explore with other participants?

You can use whatever means you would like for getting these aspects across. Just be prepared to do this in a very condensed manner. We have up to 4 contributions in each paper session. So, please shoot for around 5 minutes in “presentation” mode, ending with a clear statement regarding question 4 (what you would like to discuss or explore with other participants)… and leave the rest of the time we have together for an actual exchange of ideas.

We are really looking forward to welcoming you all in Tallinn!

Dr. Sebastian HD Fiedler