Call for SIG Convenor

Over the last 30 years, the academic study of intelligence has been in a process of decline, but recently this has changed dramatically. The main catalyst for this change has been the growth of extensive research in the fields of neural networking and machine learning. Consequently interdisciplinary interest in intelligence as a technical, social and psychological construct is increasing in prominence. In the case of educational research, there is growing interest in both human and machine learning, particularly in areas such as the areas of:

• The promotion of social inclusion and mobility;
• The relationship between intelligence and heritability;
• The potential for interface between human and machine learning, and
• The expanding role of artificial intelligence in education systems as well as within wider society.

Ultimately this SIG seeks to bring together what are apparently disparate fields under the umbrella of intelligence as a whole, as a mechanism for supporting intra- and interdisciplinary research, leading debate, and promoting the impact of the work of BERA members in these new and exciting areas. The intention of the SIG is that members should liaise closely with those involved with policy and practice, including technologists working in artificial intelligence at the highest levels. This will enable meaningful professional conversations to take place regarding the ethical and practical deployment of machine learning in educational settings, the positioning of human intelligence as a social construct within the context of learning, and the role of the commercial sector in developing and deploying cutting-edge artificial intelligence-based systems for use in learning environments. While the SIG plans to work closely with the existing Educational Technology SIG, its emphasis is very different in that it is concerned with the study of human and machine intelligence, as opposed to the educational affordances and possibilities of technology for human learning in a broader pedagogical sense.

As a SIG convenor you receive a number of benefits, support from the BERA office and are invited to attend convenor meetings in London, with all other SIG convenors.

SIG Convenors are volunteers whose main role is to co-ordinate, oversee and develop the mission and activities of each particular SIG. The SIG is there to represent the views of their members, not of individual convenors.

SIG Convenors should expect to work within all the guidelines and advice provided by the BERA Office. These are in place to ensure good practice and that all legal, financial and insurance matters are taken care of and that any risks to individuals or organisations are minimised. In particular with regard to planning events, activities or any expenditure, SIGs should all follow BERA’s appropriate guidelines and procedures.

By agreeing to assume a position of SIG convenor, individuals are committing to fulfilling the responsibilities and obligations that go with that role. SIG Convenors are expected to exercise their own judgment to meet the requirements listed in BERA guidance and to seek further advice from the BERA Office if in any doubt on any of these matters. If any procedures are not followed then BERA reserves the right to take whatever action may be necessary to protect BERA’s legal, financial and reputational position.

The annual responsibilities for SIG Convenors can be found in this document.

If you would like to be considered (below are the details of the role, remits and appointment of a convenor):

Key aspects of the Convenors’ role include:

• Preparing text for a regular (ideally once per term) newsletter to SIG members.
• Hosting at least one annual SIG forum meeting for all members (organised via the BERA office)
• Encouraging submissions of individual papers and symposia for BERA conference.
• Reviewing abstracts or acting as a third reviewer.
• Grouping together abstracts for the conference.
• Succession planning.

Other responsibilities detailed in the handbook are:

• SIG events
• SIG Forum Meetings
• BERA Conference
• Communications
• Social media
• Financial and administrative support
• Annual Review and oversight
• Networking and opportunities

If multiple expressions of interest are received an election may be run.

The deadline to apply is the 30th May 2022

Please click above to apply.