Manitoba Education Research Network Awards

TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Manitoba Education Research Network Awards acknowledge individuals and/or organizations in their efforts to enhance education in Manitoba through innovative, collaborative and high quality research. Research is broadly defined to include all aspects of scholarship and may include impact, relevance, grantsmanship, partnership, publication and prolonged service.

About the Sponsor

The Manitoba Education Research Network (MERN) supports Manitoba-based education research through an informal organization of the five faculties of education in Manitoba in partnership with educational leadership from the field. Its purpose is twofold:

• To provide opportunities for the dissemination of education research relevant to faculties and the field, and
• To encourage collaborative research projects in education planning, policy and practice across the province.

Network Partners

• Aboriginal Education Directorate
• Adult Secondary Education Council
• Brandon University
• College universitaire de Saint-Boniface
• Council of School Leaders
• Manitoba Association of Parent Councils
• Manitoba Association of School Business Officials
• Manitoba Association of School Superintendents
• Manitoba Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
• Manitoba Child Care Association
• Manitoba Council for Leadership in Education
• Manitoba Education
• Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre
• Manitoba School Boards Association
• Manitoba School Improvement Program
• Manitoba Teachers' Society
• Red River College
• University College of the North
• University of Manitoba
• University of Winnipeg

MERN supports teaching and learning in Manitoba's schools by promoting partnerships for research studies and conducting an array of cross sector education research activities. MERN disseminates research findings through a series of fall, winter and spring forums, produces an annual journal, maintains a website and publishes a monograph series.

Since its inception, a number of MERN activities have been established as ongoing network functions:

• Governance:
  The MERN Deans' Advisory Group and the MERN Affiliate Group provide leadership and direction for the network.
• Website:
  The MERN website, www.mern.ca, features information specific to Manitoba education research.
• Publications:
  MERN publications include the MERN Journal, Partnership Research in Education: An Ethics Protocol, and the MERN Monograph Series.
• Communication:
  MERN E-Messages send information about Manitoba education research and researchers relevant to the network.
• Forums:
  MERN forums are held three times a year co-hosted by faculties of education and affiliate organizations.
• Lunch at the Leg:
  MERN hosts three - four luncheon events annually featuring education research of interest to faculty and the field.

Beginning in 2010, MERN Award(s) will be presented annually as selected by network partners according to eligibility and criteria described below:

Award Eligibility

Any researcher and/or organization involved with MERN may be nominated for their contribution to Manitoba-related educational research. Themes of interest could include:

• Aboriginal Education
• Adult Learning
• Community Learning
• Early Childhood Education
• Inclusive Education
• Learning in the North
• Rural Education
• Sustainable Development
• Social Justice
• Technology in Education
• Vocational/Technical Education
• Other

Award Criteria

Projects should demonstrate the four criteria listed below:

1. Innovation
2. Excellence
3. Effectiveness
4. Participation

Nomination and Award

All proposals selected for presentation at MERN Forums and/or other MERN dissemination activities will be considered for the annual MERN Award.

Up to three awards for research achievement will be presented annually and, in additions, the panel may recommend one time "Special Contribution" recognition awards.