Join PEER for a 4-day, intensive, in-person PEER Field School!
The Professional development for Emerging Education Researchers (PEER) Institute supports scholars as they become education researchers and expand their research expertise. PEER focuses on Discipline-based Education Research, advancing both scholarship and teaching goals that are valued at all types of academic institutions.
At PEER, you will learn fundamental and applied research skills in a supportive and participatory research environment.
You will delve into research project development and best practices, engage with like-minded professionals, and gain invaluable insights into the world of educational research. Our expert facilitators will guide you through hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, helping you shape your project and engage your passion.
CSU-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA
Field school dates
January 11-14, 2027
PEER enhances the professional growth of participants and changes career trajectories. Our comprehensive professional development covers project design, management, mentoring, communication, and understanding community values. This ‘full stack’ of activities builds your research abilities. No matter where you are in your education research journey, we’ll take you to the next step.
Can’t make this one? There are more.
Schedule overview
Who Should Attend?
PEER targets a broad diversity of experience and interest in discipline-based education research (DBER). The workshop is appropriate for:
- Faculty not currently engaged in DBER but interested in learning about theories and methodologies for possible future research
- Current DBER researchers looking to build or broaden their network of collaborators and engage in generative discussions about existing and new projects
- Graduate students or postdoctoral researchers who want to learn more about DBER project management and building a successful research program
- Faculty at teaching-focused universities interested in using research methodology to improve or assess their teaching and/or publish in Scholarship of Teaching & Learning
This field school is centered on building regional capacity and community. We especially welcome all applicants who work for the CSU system or reside within a three-hour radius of San Marcos, CA.
What do we do?
PEER builds core competencies in education research
PEER enhances the professional growth of participants and changes career trajectories. Our comprehensive professional development covers project design, management, mentoring, communication, and understanding community values. This ‘full stack’ of activities enhances research abilities. We focus on the participants’ interests and projects, fostering motivation and improving success chances.
Community Building and Networking
PEER promotes peer feedback and community foundation, providing a sense of inclusion in the DBER field and fostering research identity. The networking opportunities at PEER kickstart collaborations and expand professional networks. PEER supports participants from all STEM disciplines, and we focus on emerging education researchers, whatever their career level.
PEER builds academic currency
Our support includes guiding participants in writing, a key element of academic research. PEER engagement leads to numerous publications, grant proposals, and successful tenure & promotion portfolios. These publications span several years, suggesting PEER’s lasting impact on participants’ professional trajectories.
PEER has Results
Hundreds of faculty, instructors, graduate students, and independent scholars from all over the world have participated in PEER Field Schools.
Since participating in PEER, many participants have gone on to publish peer-reviewed papers amounting to over 130 since PEER started
24 NSF grants with a PEER participant as a PI or Co-PI have been awarded, amounting to over $16M
Facilitators
Dr. Sayre co-directs the Professional development for Emerging Education Researchers (PEER) Institute. She as over 100 peer-reviewed publications in discipline-based education research. She is a Fellow of the American Physical Society. She wrote Research: A Practical Handbook to support emerging researchers and their advisors with practical, friendly advice and exercises. Dr. Sayre is passionate about increasing access to the research enterprise to members of historically excluded groups, and building more just and equitable university communities. Recently, she was a Program Director for the Division of Undergraduate Education at the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Hosts
Co-sponsored by the CSU-San Marcos Center for Research and Engagement in STEM Education and the CSU-San Marcos Office of Graduate Studies and Research