Educational Psychology Research and Practice FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is EPRaP?
Educational Psychology Research and Practice is an open access periodical published twice a year by the School of Psychology, University of East London. It offers a forum for informed debate and discussion of educational psychology research and training as well as a wider focus on issues of social justice and civic engagement in applied psychological practice. It is part of a research and learning culture that recognises the importance of knowledge exchange and impact for partners in the community.
How did it start?
At our annual research presentations by Year 3 trainees on the Doctorate in Educational and Child Psychology at UEL in 2014 we were discussing the inaccessibility of many journals and the frustrations of trying to share our research and practice with a wider audience. We thought we should try to do it in a way that made it open access for everyone.
Who is involved?
We have an Editorial Team who contribute on a voluntary basis. We have two editors, and we often invite guest editors to put together a special interest edition (like the recent one on Race). Many of the Editorial Team are educationalists and educational psychologists. We also have trainee representatives and some "international advisors", whom we link with to share ideas and practice more globally. We would really like to have more representation from service users. Being part of the Editorial Team usually involves meeting for two hours two or three times a year. Team members also encourage contributions and review submissions.
What does EPRaP publish?
EPRaP is open to publishing research findings, literature reviews, commentaries, methodology papers, reflection on practice and book/resource reviews. We also publish relevant videos and podcasts. Do contact us if you have ideas.
How are papers (and other contributions) reviewed?
Giving a piece of your work over to a review process can be daunting, so EPRaP aims to have an inclusive, transparent and fair system for reviewing submissions of all types. This reflects our ethos of inclusive participation. We try to be as encouraging of contributors as possible and have received a lot of positive feedback about our processes.
What would I do as an EPRaP student representative?
You will be a member of the EPRaP Editorial Team and act as a link between the Team and your student cohort. The role includes raising awareness or sharing updates of forthcoming issues, encouraging participation or submissions, as well as providing feedback from the student cohort. We meet termly for an hour and a half either in person or online. Other opportunities might involve helping to submit or review articles and contracting work. The Team always welcomes suggestions for broadening the scope of the journal.
What would I do as a service user representative?
If you are a child, young person or adult with special educational needs or a disability (or someone who has been a client of an educational psychologist) or an interested parent or carer, we would love to listen to your views about education, psychology or just growing up and going to school or college. You could do any of the things the other Editorial Team members do if you wanted to. Do contact us if you want to find out more.