The purpose of the Teaching and Learning Research Methods (TLRM) SIG is to promote and maintain discussions about the latest approaches, theories, methods, and practices relevant to educational research philosophy and methodology (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods) and to generate and disseminate knowledge about effective practices for teaching and learning of educational research. This SIG also aims to promote dialog and collaboration with other social/behavioral science fields in discussing, generating, and promoting advances in research practices.

The TLRM SIG was previously known as the “Professors of Educational Research” SIG.  This name had a great history at AERA of welcoming and engaging individuals interested in educational research methods. However, it became apparent that some people were confused by the name (including many believing that the SIG was only for individuals with the title of professor).  With input from SIG members, the SIG formally changed its name to “Teaching and Learning Research Methods” in February 2024 to make it clear that the SIG is open to any and all – faculty, instructors, and students – who are interested in research methods and how they are taught and learned.

Welcome to the Teaching and Learning Research Methods (TLRM) SIG!

As the 2026-2027 TLRM SIG Chair, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with and support all those who are interested in teaching and/or learning research methods.

Personally, I have found this SIG to be a collegial and supportive community over the past 20+ years.As a graduate student, this SIG welcomed my early work on mixed methods research (when other SIGs wouldn’t).  As an early career faculty member, members of this SIG supported my professional development and advancement in meaningful ways. As an established faculty member today, I find that this SIG provides me with a community of scholars who shares my passion for quality research methods and effective pedagogical practices.

I hope you will also consider becoming part of the TLRM SIG community so you too can overlap with its many interests, contexts, and people.

• The SIG supports all research approaches, including quantitative, qualitative, action research, mixed methods, evaluation, arts-based, etc.
• The SIG welcomes all who are interested in research methods, including faculty, instructors, methodologists, evaluators, and students.
• The SIG is interested in a wide variety of contexts, including mentoring, formal coursework, independent research, and professional development.
• The SIG cares about how different learners engage with research methods, including graduate students, undergraduate students, K-12 students, support personnel, practitioners, and professionals.

For the coming year, the TLRM SIG will work to assemble a high-quality program for the 2027 AERA Annual Meeting and to recognize outstanding papers with its Outstanding Paper Award.

We also aim to foster some new initiatives to provide venues for research methods teachers and learners to connect with and learn from each other.TLRM SIG members learn about these opportunities through the SIG’s member listserv.

I hope you will consider joining the TLRM SIG and being part of the conversation this year!  We welcome and value your ideas and input!

Cheers!

Vicki L. Plano Clark, PhD
TLRM SIG Chair (2026-2027)
Professor, Research Methods
Univesity of Cincinnati
planocvi@ucmail.uc.edu