PHE Journal aims to create a national platform to support and advance quality physical and health education programming and healthy school communities by exchanging experiences, knowledge, and ideas with members of our online community. We hope to engage and motivate individuals through compelling and thought provoking peer-reviewed research and feature article content.
Article submissions can be about a specific and passionate PHE topic, solutions for an identified issue, a qualitative research paper, or co-author a piece about positive changes happening in PHE. Upon submission to [email protected], please include at least one copyright free photo and/or video to accompany your article. This is an opportunity for you to use your voice and help create a more welcoming and engaging learning environment in schools across Canada.
Our Audience:
- Primary Audience: Practitioners, Researchers, Teachers, Pre-Service Teachers.
- Secondary Audience: School Boards, Policy Makers, Educational Partners, Parents.
Peer-Reviewed Research Article Writing Guidelines:
Length: 2500 - 3000 words, excluding abstract, references, and appendices (Times New Roman 12-point font).
Abstract: Maximum of 150 words.
Structure: All research, facts, figures, and quotations must be properly cited using APA.
Author's Name & Bio: 50-80 words. Please include author photo(s).
Peer-Reviewed Research Article Publication Process:
- Manuscript Submission: Submit a double spaced, Blind manuscript with lines numbered. If there are any self-citations list as “Author 1”. Author(s) will receive an “Acknowledgement Receipt” which explains the peer-review process (i.e., documents required, turn around time, next steps, etc.).
- Peer-Review: The PHE Journal will determine the reviewer based on the manuscript topic and begin reviewing. This typically can take anywhere from 4 - 8 weeks.
- Status Response/Editing Process: Author(s) will receive an ‘Author Feedback Form’ and a status response for publication. The timeline for review and completion of any changes recommendations and resubmission (if applicable) can take approximately 6 - 8 weeks.
- Publication: Before publication, author(s) will be required to complete a ‘Copyright Release Form’ and ‘Photograph Release Form’ (needed for any photos including author headshots). Author(s) are to submit a headshot and biography (50 - 80 words). An estimate of publication timeline of typically 2 - 4 weeks will be given once these required forms have been obtained by the PHE Journal. Author(s) will be notified once the article is published via the ‘Publication Confirmation Letter’ which includes the correct citation for their article.
Feature Article Writing Guidelines:
Length: 400 - 1,500 words
Style/Tone: Inspiring, insightful, thought provoking. Provide background information when you can, and avoid using abbreviations that are not commonly used in the PHE community. Adopt a personal, relaxed voice and be creative - humour is a good entry point. Please read past journal content to get a sense of tone and style.
Multimedia Content: Include graphics, photos and/or videos, and embed links as needed. Please ensure you have permission to use any multimedia pieces you submit.
Structure (flexible):
- Headline: Select a relevant topic and use a strong headline.
- Lead: Compelling opener - the hook.
- Key Message: Central argument.
- Reasonings: Findings, information, research results, stories – all evidence that supports key messages.
- To Be Sure: Acknowledge what your opponents would say, refute counter.
- News Hook: Why now?
- Invitation: Leave them with a question or a call-to-action.
Author's Name & Bio: 50-80 words. We will respect your preference in using your name to indicate authorship (e.g., if you prefer to use your first name, and the first letter of your last name). As a general rule for minors to protect your identity, a pen name can be used. Parental/Guardianship consent is required to use your full name if you are under 18 years old. . Please also include an author photo.
References: The feature article should be originally created by you (and your co-authors, if you have any). Be sure to use quotation marks for any citations, and add links to all references included at the bottom of your article (website URLs, book names and authors, article names and authors, etc.).
Feature Article Topic Ideas:
- Open Horizon: Introduce cutting edge PHE research or new technology being used in school. The readers will learn something new after finishing reading the article.
- Impact PHE: Share your thoughts and opinions, and use science, research, or other evidence-based information to advocate for social awareness, community support and policy change in the PHE domain. The article will finish with a call-to-action or thought-provoking question.
- Teacher focused article: Topics like pre-service teacher education, teacher well-being, professional development suggestions will be discussed. These types of blog articles are practical, readable and written with a story-telling tone.
- Healthy school communities: This focuses on healthy school communities or school based research or initiative. We also rely on educators to gather student opinions and stories about their own learning.
Feature Article Publication Process:
- Topic Ideas: Any author will pitch their idea based on any of the topic ideas listed above. Please send in an outline (bullet points) of what you hope to say and what your target messages are. If you would like to write an article, but need ideas, please reach out and we can provide suggestions.
- Drafting Process: After the idea has been reviewed, you will take the lead in writing the draft of the feature article. If you would like assistance with writing if you are stuck or require feedback we are happy to help.
- Submission and Editing Process: Once received, the feature article will be reviewed by the PHE Canada team. Include any keywords, people to tag, and at least one copyright free photo and/or video to accompany your feature article. PHE Canada will provide feedback and send it to you in a timely manner. Please plan for at least one round of editing.
- Publication: Once the feature article is finalized, it will be published on the PHE Journal in both English and French, shared in our monthly newsletter and on social media.