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A Bittersweet Journey in Academic Publishing
Thanis Tangkitjaroenkun
Editor-in-chief for rEFLections (Scopus Q2)
King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand
Van Lang University, in collaboration with King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), proudly hosted the seminar "A Bittersweet Journey in Academic Publishing" as part of its commitment to fostering academic excellence and international collaboration. The seminar was led by esteemed academic figures, including the Chief Editor of rEFLections and the Associate Editor of the THAITESOL Journal. It aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the academic publishing process, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to navigate this challenging yet rewarding journey.
This seminar catered to graduate students, faculty, and budding researchers eager to contribute to academic discourse through high-quality publications. It addressed critical questions often faced by academics: Why publish? What to publish? How to publish? When to publish? These questions formed the foundation of the discussions, emphasizing the strategic planning necessary to succeed in the competitive field of academic publishing.
The session began with a focus on getting started in publishing, highlighting the importance of choosing the right journals and adhering to their specific guidelines. Participants were introduced to practical steps for manuscript preparation, including creating focused content, aligning with relevant research areas, and ensuring the completeness of research articles. The speaker emphasized clarity and relevance, underscoring how well-crafted research can address significant gaps and contribute meaningfully to the academic community.
In addition, the seminar shed light on the emotional journey of publishing, recognizing the challenges that researchers encounter, such as rejection, long waiting times, and extensive revisions. Through real-world examples, participants learned strategies for overcoming these obstacles, including the importance of persistence, meticulous preparation, and proactive communication with journal editors.
A core component of the seminar involved exploring modern trends in research and publishing. Key topics included online learning behaviors, the role of English as a Lingua Franca, and the use of technology in language studies. The integration of AI tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Quillbot in research and writing was also discussed, reflecting the evolving landscape of academic publishing and the increasing role of technological innovation.
Participants engaged in interactive activities to strengthen their understanding of manuscript development, from drafting impactful abstracts to structuring compelling research discussions. These hands-on sessions emphasized the significance of evidence-based results, critical discussions, and thoughtful conclusions, all aligned with international academic standards.
The seminar also offered insights into avoiding common pitfalls in publishing, such as desk rejections due to ethical issues, lack of relevance, or poor alignment with journal scopes. With detailed guidance on overcoming these hurdles, attendees gained actionable strategies to enhance their success in achieving publication.
Through this collaborative platform, Van Lang University reinforced its dedication to empowering researchers to excel in academia. By bringing together international expertise and fostering cross-institutional collaboration, the seminar not only enriched the academic community but also inspired participants to embark on their own "bittersweet journey" of contributing to global knowledge.
Prof. Dr. Mikle Dave Ledgerwood
Chair of World Languages and Cultures, Samford University, USA
On March 10th, 2024, Van Lang University successfully hosted a seminar titled "Seminar for International Publication: Reviews and Revisions", featuring Mikle Dave Ledgerwood, a distinguished academic from the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Samford University, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
The seminar focused on the critical stages of the academic publishing process, particularly addressing reviews and revisions. Participants gained valuable insights into effectively responding to reviewer comments, refining their manuscripts, and navigating the complexities of the revision process. The session provided practical strategies and actionable advice, aimed at enhancing the quality of submissions to international journals.
Professor Ledgerwood, with his extensive expertise in academic publishing, shared real-world examples and practical tips that empowered researchers to handle revisions with confidence. His insights demystified the review process, making it more approachable for faculty, graduate students, and early-career researchers.
The event offered a unique opportunity for attendees to enhance their publication skills and align their work with international standards. It was a highly productive session that left participants equipped with the tools needed to excel in their academic writing journeys.
On June 1st, 2024, an academic delegation from the Faculty of Foreign Languages at Van Lang University, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Vu Phi Ho and Dr. Nguyen Hai Long, along with 12 master’s students, visited the School of Liberal Arts at King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), Thailand. The visit marked an important step in strengthening academic and research collaborations between the two institutions, fostering knowledge sharing, and enhancing cross-cultural connections.
The day-long program commenced at 9 AM with a morning research sharing session, providing a platform for academic exchange between the visiting delegation and KMUTT’s Master of Arts in Applied English Studies (AES) program. During this session, master’s students from both Van Lang University and KMUTT presented their current research projects, showcasing a range of topics related to applied linguistics, English education, and interdisciplinary language studies. The session featured active engagement, as students and faculty members exchanged constructive feedback, ideas, and perspectives. The lively discussions reflected a shared commitment to academic excellence and a mutual desire to advance research knowledge.
The event was graciously hosted by the Department of Language Studies at KMUTT, represented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Saowaluck Tepsuriwong, Asst. Prof. Dr. Natjiree Jaturapitakkul, Asst. Prof. Thanis Tangkitjaroenkun, Dr. Punyapa Saengsri, and Dr. Ali Zahabi. Their insightful contributions and warm hospitality created a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere, enabling students and lecturers alike to benefit from the exchange.
In the afternoon, the master’s students of Van Lang University were given the opportunity to explore the KMUTT Library and the Resource Center at the School of Liberal Arts. The visit offered an enriching experience as the students explored a variety of resources, including academic journals, research databases, and digital learning tools. This firsthand exposure to KMUTT’s state-of-the-art learning facilities underscored the importance of access to robust academic resources in supporting research and knowledge development.
While students engaged with KMUTT’s academic environment, lecturers from both institutions held in-depth discussions on potential avenues for future collaboration. Topics of interest included joint research projects, co-authored publications, student exchange programs, and opportunities for organizing academic conferences and workshops. These discussions highlighted the strong alignment between the two universities’ goals in promoting research-driven learning and international academic partnerships.
The visit concluded with a reflective exchange hour, where students and faculty members shared their key takeaways from the day. This session served as a meaningful opportunity for students from both universities to interact more informally, forge new connections, and learn about each other’s academic journeys and cultural experiences. The vibrant exchange of ideas and camaraderie among participants emphasized the value of cross-border academic engagements.
By fostering meaningful academic discussions and facilitating experiential learning opportunities, the visit to KMUTT not only strengthened institutional ties but also provided a platform for students to expand their research perspectives and global outlook. The successful event marks a promising foundation for continued collaboration between Van Lang University and KMUTT’s School of Liberal Arts, contributing to their shared vision of academic innovation and excellence.
