Submission Guidelines

Welcome to the abstract submission portal for the 2026 ALEA National Conference: "Lighting the Way for Literacy."

We invite submissions that share innovative research, classroom practice, and community projects that honour diverse voices, promote student agency, and celebrate inclusive literacy teaching.

General Guidelines:

• All submissions must be made using the official abstract template.
• Abstracts must be original and not previously published or presented at another national event.
• Each abstract must clearly align with one of the approved presentation types.
• A maximum of two submissions per lead presenter will be accepted.

Presentation Types:

• 1-hour Workshop (interactive): 300-word abstract
• 30-minute Research Presentation: 300-word abstract
• 10-minute Lightning Talk: 200-word abstract
• Poster Presentation: 200-word abstract

Selection Criteria:

• Relevance to the conference title and literacy education
• Clarity of aims and outcomes
• Originality and contribution to knowledge or practice
• Appropriateness of the chosen presentation format

Submission Deadline: Friday 20 February 2026
Notification of Acceptance: Monday 13 April 2026

Please ensure all co-presenters are aware of the submission and agree to the terms.

Presentation Format

When completing a submission, indicate your preferred presentation format. All concurrent sessions at the 2026 ALEA National Conference will be delivered in-person only.

Lead presenters are welcome to lodge multiple submissions, however noting a maximum of two submissions per lead presenter will be accepted. Each individual submission will be assessed on its own merits.

The Program Committee will assess all abstract submissions and allocate the presentation format deemed most suited to the topic and program.

1-Hour Workshop
Workshops offer an interactive and practical exploration of ideas, practices, or resources. Submissions should outline how the session will engage participants in hands-on learning or critical discussion.

• Length: 60 minutes
• Format: Interactive, participant-focused (e.g., small group tasks, practical demonstrations, discussions)
• Abstract (max 300 words): Include session aims, structure, participant engagement strategies, and relevance to the conference theme
• Target audience: pre-service teachers, educators, researchers
• Outcomes: Clear takeaways or tools participants can apply in their own contexts

30-Minute Research Presentation
These traditional conference papers present empirical, theoretical, or practice-based research.

• Length: 30 minutes total (20 min presentation + 10 min Q&A)
• Format: Lecture-style with visual aids encouraged
• Abstract (max 300 words): Include research question(s), methodology, findings (or emerging insights), and significance
• Audience: Researchers, teacher educators, postgraduate students, educators, pre-service teachers
• Criteria: Rigour, relevance, and connection to literacy education and the conference theme

10-Minute Lightning Talk
These fast-paced sessions share emerging ideas, provocations, or snapshots of practice or research.

• Length: 10 minutes (no Q&A during the session)
• Format: Concise and impactful oral presentation with optional visual support
• Abstract (max 200 words): State your central idea clearly, why it matters, and how it links to the theme
• Suitable for: New researchers, early-career educators, project overviews

Poster Presentation
Posters visually communicate practice-based projects, research findings, or innovative programs.

• Display: Posters will be on view throughout the conference, with designated viewing sessions
• Size: A1 portrait or A0 landscape (further details provided upon acceptance)
• Abstract (max 200 words): Clearly describe your topic, visual layout concept, and contribution to literacy education
• Engagement: Presenters should be available during poster session times to discuss their work
  
  

Review Process

Reviewers will assess abstracts on the following criteria:

• Alignment with the conference title: Lighting the Way for Literacy
• Clarity and coherence of content
• Relevance to current research or classroom practice
• Suitability of the chosen presentation type
• Potential to engage or impact the audience

Each submission is reviewed by at least two independent reviewers. Abstracts may be accepted as submitted, recommended for another format (e.g. lightning talk instead of full paper), or declined. The final decision rests with the Conference Academic Committee.

Review outcomes will be communicated via email by Monday 13 April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Do I need to be an ALEA member to submit?
No, submissions are open to both members and non-members. However, ALEA members receive discounted registration rates.

Q2: Can I submit more than one abstract?
Yes, but you may be the lead presenter on a maximum of two accepted presentations.

Q3: Can I update my abstract after submission?
You may edit your submission until the abstract deadline. After that, only contact details can be updated.

Q4: Will I receive feedback on my abstract?
Due to the volume of submissions, individual feedback will not be provided unless clarification is required by reviewers.

Q5: What if I’m unable to attend in person?
This conference is currently planned as an in-person event. Limited virtual options may be considered for international presenters; please contact the committee for details.

Q6: Are there student presenter opportunities?
Yes! We welcome early-career educators and postgraduate students to present, especially via lightning talks and posters.

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