An exploratory seminar poses a question or dilemma to be discussed during a 45-minute session and aims to open dialogues about research possibilities, innovative research areas, and creative research ideas. The purpose of an exploratory seminar may, for example, be to initiate research collaborations, test new research questions, methods, analyses, perspectives, and data material, or to investigate opportunities to arrange further seminars and conferences, write applications, and apply for funding, etc. The exploratory seminar thus serves as a structured networking forum around a theme, and the proposers can organise the session according to various models. The proposer will be the chair.  

A proposal for an exploratory seminar must include a description and problematisation of the question or dilemma on which the seminar will focus, together with the purpose of initiating the seminar and some expected outcomes. Note that the Exploratory Seminar is one of the two session formats for which a timetable must be submitted in addition to meeting the standard technical criteria. 

Exploratory Seminars will be reviewed using the following criteria: 

1. Context and relevance to science education (importance of the study for research and/or practice).

2. Possible theoretical framework, conceptual rationale, or pragmatic grounding.

3. Clarity and justification of the purpose, exploratory aim of the seminar and expected outcomes.

4. Feasibility of planned seminar activities to lead to fruitful discussions and constructive results.

5. Clarity and relevance of the expected outcomes of the seminar.

6. Feasibility of structure and the timetable to lead to the expected outcomes.

7. Plans to follow up on the seminar.
    

The reviewer’s comments will explain the scoring and provide suggestions for the seminar.