PEER REVIEW PROCESS

Academicus: Journal of Teaching and Learning, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and integrity in the publication of scholarly works. Our peer review process is designed to ensure that all published articles contribute significantly to the field of education and learning. Below is an overview of our peer review process.

Step 1: Submission Screening
Upon submission, the Editorial Board conducts an initial screening to ensure the manuscript aligns with the journal's scope, adheres to the Author Guidelines, and meets academic standards. Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria may be rejected without further review.

Step 2: Double-Blind Peer Review
Manuscripts passing the initial screening are assigned to at least two independent experts in the relevant field for a double-blind peer review. In this process, both the reviewers' and authors' identities are concealed to ensure impartiality.

Step 3: Reviewer Reports
Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on originality, significance, methodology, clarity of presentation, and contribution to the field. They provide constructive feedback and recommend one of the following actions:
- Accept as is
- Accept with minor revisions
- Reconsider after major revisions
- Reject

Step 4: Editorial Decision
The Editorial Board considers the reviewers' recommendations and makes a final decision on the manuscript. The decision, along with reviewers' feedback, is communicated to the corresponding author. The possible decisions are:
- Accept: The manuscript will be moved to the copyediting stage.
- Minor Revisions: The author is asked to make minor changes according to reviewers' comments and resubmit the revised manuscript within a specified timeframe.
- Major Revisions: The author is required to undertake significant revisions and resubmit the manuscript for a new round of review.
- Reject: The manuscript is deemed unsuitable for publication in Academicus: Journal of Teaching and Learning.

Step 5: Revisions
For manuscripts that require revisions, authors must submit a revised version along with a detailed response to reviewers' comments, specifying how each point was addressed. The revised manuscript may be reviewed by the original reviewers or the Editorial Board.

Step 6: Final Acceptance and Publication
Once the manuscript meets all requirements and is approved by the Editorial Board, it is accepted for publication. The manuscript then undergoes copyediting, layout, and proofreading. Authors will have the opportunity to review proofs before the article is published.

Confidentiality
Throughout the review process, the confidentiality of authors' work is paramount. Reviewers are required to treat manuscripts as confidential documents and must not use the information obtained through peer review for their own or another's advantage.

Ethical Standards
Reviewers play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the journal. They are expected to identify potential conflicts of interest, adhere to the principle of confidentiality, and evaluate manuscripts objectively and professionally.

Academicus: Journal of Teaching and Learning is dedicated to fostering a fair, transparent, and constructive peer review process. We believe this process is essential not only for the advancement of quality scholarship but also for the development of a vibrant academic community in the fields of teaching and learning.