2014 RAP Journal Guidelines

The Reading Association of the Philippines is pleased to announce that it welcomes submissions to its journal, THE RAP JOURNAL. The RAP Journal accepts articles on reading, literature, language, literacy education, reading and language teacher education, and related educational topics. These are the sections to which papers may be submitted:

1. Perspective Papers -- These papers present prevailing theoretical models of reading, language and literacy education; broad discussions of issues relating to literacy education; and policy proposals for improving reading and language education. Submissions should not exceed 5,000 words, including the abstract and bibliography. These papers are evaluated for their validity, the strength of their arguments and conclusions, and for the timeliness of the positions presented.

2. Research Papers -- Inquiries into various aspects of literacy comprise majority of the articles published in The RAP Journal. Articles submitted should report on inquiries conducted within the last 10 years. Research-based articles are evaluated based on the relevance of the research aim, the soundness of the research process, the quality of discussion of the data, and the cohesion between the findings and generalizations. Articles may not exceed 6,000 words, including the abstract and bibliography.

3. Theory-to-Practice Papers -- These articles share theory-based strategies and approaches that have been tried and tested in the classroom. Contributors are encouraged to use action research for papers submitted to this section of The RAP Journal. Papers are evaluated based on how well they translate theory into practice; the description of the process of teaching, and the authentic examples presented; and the unity between the findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Articles may not exceed 3,000 words, including the abstract and bibliography.

4. Featured Author/Illustrator/Publisher/Storyteller Essays -- These are first-person essays by writers/illustrators/publishers/storytellers of literature for children or young adults. Submissions to this section usually impart and illustrate the creative process which leads to the creation or rendition of literature made for children and young people. In general, these submissions are not subjected to a double blind review process, but are edited for grammar, clarity, and language use. Essays may not exceed 2,000 words, including the abstract and bibliography.

For inclusion in the 2014 journal article review process and possible publication in the 37th issue of the RAP Journal, submit not later than 30 May 2014.

Manuscripts will be evaluated using a double-blind review system. Comments will be sent to the author/s within 2 months of submission. Papers may be accepted, accepted pending revisions, revised and resubmitted for a future issue, or rejected.

General Submission Guidelines

1. Articles in Filipino and English are accepted.
2. All submissions should use the Times New Roman font size 12 and should be double-spaced.
3. The first page of the submission should contain the Title and Author’s/Authors’ Affiliation/s. The rest of the paper should NOT have marks which will be identifiable to its author/s.
4. The second page will be the beginning of the article. The title should be the first to appear on this page followed by an abstract not longer than 150 words. After the abstract, the paper should be immediately presented.
5. Tables and Figures should be numbered as they appear in the article. The paper should indicate where Tables and Figures should be inserted in all bold capital letters. Tables and Figures within the text should be appended to the article (after the bibliography). There should be only one table or figure on a page and each should be labeled properly.
6. All submissions require a bibliography. The RAP Journal follows the APA 5th edition format, citations, and referencing guidelines.
7. Articles will be evaluated using given criteria. They will also be edited for grammar, clarity, and language use.
8.Please submit articles to: therapjournal.org@gmail.com. The subject line of the email should follow this format: SURNAME (of author) – TITLE OF ARTICLE. In the body of the email, kindly indicate to which section you are submitting the article.

Criteria for Evaluating Articles Criteria for Evaluating a Perspective Paper
Introduction = 5 points
• The literacy issue discussed is clearly defined.
• The issue is relevant and timely.
• The scope of the issue is well described.

Perspective = 5 points
• The paper articulates the point of view taken in the article.
• It builds the remaining sections based on this perspective.
• It presents strong arguments for the perspective taken.
• The perspective presented is fresh and original.
Illustrations of the Perspective = 5 points
• There are sufficient examples of the arguments laid out in the paper.
• Explanations are clear and serve to highlight the examples/ illustrations in support of the posited perspective.
Applicability = 5 points
• The perspective can be operationalized.
• The arguments presented can be the basis for research which can test the validity of the perspective.
Insights = 5 points
• Insights for application are drawn from the arguments and conclusions.
• Potential problems are discussed.
• Suggestions are well-thought out.
Writing Style = 5 points
• Article is clearly written.
• It is well organized.
• It is written in a scholarly manner suitable to a theoretical/policy/perspective paper.
• The language used is grammatical.

Criteria for Evaluating a Research Article
Introduction = 5 points
• Theory is identified and explained.
• Relevant literature is cited/discussed.
• The research aim/s or objective/s is/are clearly stated.
Method = 5 points
• Appropriate detail is given.
• Variables investigated are identified and defined.
• Procedures used are adequately described.
Results = 5 points
• Results correspond to the research aims.
• Significant results are clearly stated.
• Results are presented judiciously in relation to the strength of data analysis findings.
Discussion = 5 points
• Results are tied back to the theory.
• Results are tied back to the literature.
• Alternative interpretation is explained and/or addressed as needed.
Insights = 5 points
• Insights for application are drawn from the data and conclusions.
• Potential problems are discussed.
• Suggestions for future research are well-thought out.
Writing Style = 5 points
• Article is clearly written.
• It is well organized.
• The language used is grammatical.

Criteria for Evaluating aTheory-to-Practice Article
Introduction = 5 points
• Theory is identified and explained.
• Theory and practice are adequately linked.
• Relevant literature is cited/discussed.
• The research aim/s or objective/s is/are clearly stated.
Method = 5 points
• The study uses action research as the main method of inquiry.
• Appropriate detail is given.
• Variables investigated are identified and defined.
• Procedures used are adequately described.
Results = 5 points
• Results correspond to the research aims.
• Significant results are clearly stated.
• Results are presented judiciously in relation to the strength of data analysis findings.
Discussion = 5 points
• Results are tied back to the theory.
• Results are tied back to the literature.
• Results show a strong relationship between theory and practice.
Insights = 5 points
• Insights for application are drawn from the data and conclusions.
• Potential problems are discussed.
• Suggestions for future research are well-thought out.
Writing Style = 5 points
• Article is clearly written.
• It is well organized.
• The language used is grammatical.