How did you become a member of the editorial board?

I was invited to join the editorial boards of both ECNU Review of Education (SAGE Publishing) and TESOL Quarterly (WILEY) in recognition of my research contributions and international collaborations in applied linguistics and education.

For ECNU Review of Education, my appointment came through a direct recommendation by Professor Mark Bray, a leading scholar in the field and a collaborator with whom I have previously co-published. The journal’s editorial team indicated that my expertise in shadow education and multilingualism aligned well with their scope and strategic direction.

Regarding TESOL Quarterly, I received a formal invitation from the co-editors based on my research profile and scholarly contributions to TESOL and applied linguistics. The selection process for the board is highly selective and aims to include experts across diverse subfields, and I was invited to contribute as a reviewer and advisor, including participating in manuscript reviews and special-issue decisions. Overall, these appointments reflect both the visibility of my research internationally and my active engagement in high-quality publications and collaborations within the field.

What does it mean in practice to be a member of the editorial board in your journal?

In practice, serving on the editorial boards of journals such as TESOL Quarterly and ECNU Review of Education entails three main responsibilities. First, I review manuscripts and provide constructive feedback to ensure they meet high academic standards. Second, I contribute to decisions on special issues and emerging research directions. Third, I participate in editorial discussions and meetings as needed. Hence, the role focuses on maintaining quality, supporting authors, and contributing to the field's development.

How does your work on the editorial board influence the development of your field? Are there any important topics you promote? Have you faced difficult decisions?

Through my role on the editorial boards of TESOL Quarterly and ECNU Review of Education, I contribute to shaping the field by supporting research that is theoretically grounded, methodologically rigorous, and socially relevant. The review process allows me to encourage work that pushes beyond descriptive studies toward deeper analytical and critical engagement. At the moment, I see growing importance in areas such as multilingualism, language learning beyond English, equity in education, and the impact of shadow education. I also try to support research that engages with power, identity, and ideology, particularly in underrepresented contexts like Central Asia and the Middle East. In terms of difficult decisions, there are cases where a manuscript has a strong idea but methodological limitations. In such situations, I aim to balance fairness and rigour by providing constructive feedback and recommending revision when there is clear potential, while also maintaining the journal’s standards. Overall, I see the role as both gatekeeping and mentoring, ensuring quality while supporting the development of emerging scholarship.

What research trends have you observed? What distinguishes strong from weak articles? What common mistakes do authors make?

Through my work with TESOL Quarterly and ECNU Review of Education, I have observed a clear shift toward more theoretically informed and context-sensitive research. There is increasing interest in multilingualism, identity, equity, and language learning beyond English, as well as studies that connect local contexts to global debates. A strong academic article today is one that makes a clear and original contribution, is well-grounded in an appropriate theoretical framework, and demonstrates methodological rigour. It should not only describe findings but also explain their significance and link them to broader discussions in the field. In contrast, weaker articles often lack a clear contribution, rely on superficial use of theory, or present descriptive results without deeper analysis. One common mistake authors make is misalignment. For example, research questions, methods, and findings do not fully match. Another frequent issue is insufficient engagement with recent literature or the use of theory in a purely decorative way rather than analytically. More recently, I have also noticed the misuse of AI tools. In some cases, authors rely on AI-generated text without critical engagement, which leads to vague arguments, generic phrasing, and sometimes inaccurate or fabricated references. This weakens the scholarly quality and raises ethical concerns.

How has your participation in the editorial board influenced your professional network? Have there been new collaborations? Do you interact internationally?

My role on the editorial boards of TESOL Quarterly and ECNU Review of Education has significantly strengthened my international professional network. Through this role, I interact regularly with editors, reviewers, and authors from different regions, which gives me direct exposure to diverse research traditions and emerging scholarly debates. These interactions are not only evaluative but also collegial, often leading to ongoing academic exchanges. It has also created opportunities for new collaborations. For example, connections developed through editorial work can evolve into co-authored publications, invitations to special issues, and participation in international research projects. Hence, the experience enhances both visibility and trust within the academic community, positioning me within a global network of scholars working on related themes.

How has this role changed you as a researcher and a teacher? Has it influenced your writing? What do you do differently now?

My role on the editorial boards of TESOL Quarterly and ECNU Review of Education has had a strong impact on how I approach research, writing, and supervision. As a researcher, I have become more attentive to what constitutes a meaningful contribution. I now think more carefully about positioning my work within current debates, ensuring a clear alignment between research questions, theoretical framing, methodology, and analysis. I am also more aware of the expectations of high-impact journals in terms of originality, rigour, and relevance. In terms of academic writing, the role has made me more disciplined and concise. I focus more on clarity, coherence, and argumentation, and I avoid overly descriptive sections that do not advance the analysis. I also pay closer attention to how theory is used, ensuring it is integrated analytically rather than presented superficially. At the same time, I became more aware of the growing use of AI in academic writing. While AI can support drafting, I am careful to ensure that my work remains intellectually driven, critically engaged, and accurate. I also pay more attention to avoiding generic phrasing and ensuring that arguments are genuinely developed rather than automatically generated.

As a teacher and supervisor, this experience has directly influenced how I mentor students. I now provide more explicit guidance on how to design studies that are publishable, how to engage critically with literature, and how to respond to reviewers. I also share practical insights from the review process, which helps students better understand how academic publishing works. Overall, this role has made my academic practice more reflective, strategic, and aligned with international standards, both in my own work and in how I support others.

What is the most challenging aspect of being an editorial board member? How do you deal with ethical dilemmas? Is it difficult to reject submissions?

One of the most challenging aspects of serving on the editorial boards of TESOL Quarterly and ECNU Review of Education is balancing fairness with maintaining high academic standards. In some cases, manuscripts address important or underrepresented topics but have methodological or analytical limitations. Deciding whether to reject or encourage revision requires careful judgment. I try to focus on the potential of the study while remaining consistent with the journal’s expectations. Ethical dilemmas can arise with controversial topics or concerns about originality, including issues related to plagiarism or the inappropriate use of AI. In such situations, I rely on the journal’s ethical guidelines, consult with editors when needed, and ensure that decisions are transparent and well justified. Rejecting submissions is never easy, especially knowing the effort behind each paper. However, I approach it as part of the responsibility of maintaining quality. I make sure that even in rejection, the feedback is constructive and helpful for the author’s future work.

How does editorial board membership influence an academic career? How important is it for international recognition? Would you recommend it?

Serving on the editorial boards of TESOL Quarterly and ECNU Review of Education has a strong positive influence on an academic career. It enhances international recognition, as it signals that one’s research is trusted and valued by leading journals in the field. It also increases visibility within global scholarly networks and creates opportunities for collaboration, reviewing, and contributing to key academic discussions. At the same time, the role provides important professional development. It deepens one’s understanding of the publication process, strengthens critical evaluation skills, and improves one’s own writing and research design. I would recommend that colleagues aspire to this role, but at the right stage of their career. It requires experience, a strong publication record, and a commitment to contributing to the academic community. When approached responsibly, it is both a recognition of achievement and a meaningful form of academic service.

What advice would you give to researchers who want to join an editorial board? What skills or achievements are important? Where should they start?

For researchers aiming to join editorial boards of journals such as TESOL Quarterly and ECNU Review of Education, the most important starting point is to build a strong and consistent publication record in reputable journals. Editorial roles are typically offered to scholars whose work demonstrates quality, originality, and relevance to the field. In addition, developing strong reviewing skills is essential. I would encourage researchers to begin by accepting invitations to review manuscripts and treating each review seriously and professionally. High-quality reviewing is often noticed by editors and can lead to further opportunities. It is also important to be actively engaged in the academic community through conferences, collaborations, and research networks. Visibility and reliability both matter. In terms of skills, critical thinking, fairness, attention to detail, and ethical awareness are key. Increasingly, it is also important to understand the responsible use of AI in research and publishing, both to improve one’s own work and to evaluate others’ submissions. Overall, I would advise starting with publishing, then reviewing, and gradually building a reputation for quality and integrity.

What does being part of an editorial board mean to you personally?

Being part of the editorial boards of TESOL Quarterly and ECNU Review of Education is both an honour and a responsibility, as it reflects recognition of my work while allowing me to contribute to the direction of the field. It also gives me a meaningful opportunity to support scholars, uphold academic standards, and engage with important global conversations in education and applied linguistics.

Journal title. How did you become a member of the editorial board?

Gender, Work & Organization is indexed as a top 1% journal in Scopus in Gender Studies. I initially came across a call for Associate Editors and decided to apply. Following this, I was invited by the Editors-in-Chief to join the Early Scholars Review Board, where I received training from experienced editors and began contributing to the peer review process. After two years of active involvement, I was invited to take on the role of Associate Editor. As part of this role, together with another Associate Editor, Prof. Shumaila Yousufzai, we bring the annual GWO Conference to Central Asia, Kazakhstan, and Nazarbayev University in June.

What does it mean in practice to be a member of the editorial board in your journal?

The role of editors involves managing the peer review process, including identifying appropriate reviewers, evaluating their reports, and making editorial recommendations. It also requires engaging critically and constructively with submitted manuscripts, ensuring academic rigor, and upholding ethical standards throughout the process.

How do you think your work on the editorial board influences the development of your field?

Are there any topics or areas that are particularly important right now—and that you help promote?

Have there been cases when a decision on a manuscript was especially difficult or principled?

In this role, I contribute to discussions on which research conversations gain visibility and recognition. I am particularly attentive to work on gender in higher education, leadership, and policy, especially in underrepresented regions such as Central Asia and broader Global South.There are cases when editorial decisions are difficult. For example, when manuscripts show strong potential but require substantial development, or when reviewer recommendations differ, you have to decide whether the article has potential for further enhancement. In such cases, I aim to balance fairness, rigor, and constructive feedback.

What research trends have you observed through this role?

What distinguishes a strong academic article from a weak one today?

What mistakes do authors make most often?

I have observed increasing attention to intersectionality, decolonial perspectives, and critical approaches to gender and work. A strong academic article demonstrates a clear theoretical contribution, a well-articulated argument, and a robust methodology. In contrast, weaker submissions tend to be descriptive, lack conceptual depth, or fail to clearly position their contribution within the existing literature. Common mistakes include insufficient engagement with theory, unclear framing of the research problem, and lack of clarity regarding the paper’s original contribution.

How has your participation in the editorial board influenced your professional network?

Have there been new international collaborations?

Do you interact with authors and editors from different countries?

This role has significantly expanded my international academic network. I regularly engage with scholars, reviewers, and editors from different countries, which has opened opportunities for collaboration and meaningful intellectual exchange.

How has this role changed you as a researcher and a teacher?

Has it influenced your own academic writing style?

What do you do differently now in your academic work?

This role has profound contribution to my own writing. It made me more attentive to clarity, structure, and contribution in my manuscripts. I have become more reflective about how arguments are constructed and communicated. In my teaching, I pay more attention on academic writing, peer review, and critical engagement, helping students better understand what constitutes strong scholarly work.

What is the most challenging aspect of being an editorial board member?

How do you deal with ethical dilemmas?

Is it difficult to reject submissions?

One of the most challenging aspects is the increasing pressure on academic publishing. As publication requirements grow for academics worldwide, journals receive a high volume of submissions. At the same time, it is becoming more difficult to find suitable reviewers both due to reviewer fatigue and the growing influence of AI in research. Another key challenge is making fair decisions when reviews conflict or when manuscripts show promise but are not yet ready for publication. Ethical responsibility is central to this role, including ensuring confidentiality, fairness, and unbiased judgment. Rejecting submissions is never easy; however, it is necessary to maintain the quality of the journal. I try to ensure that all decisions are communicated respectfully and constructively.

How does editorial board membership influence an academic career?

How important is it for international recognition?

Would you recommend that colleagues aspire to this role?

Editorial board membership is a significant marker of international recognition and trust in one’s expertise. It also provides valuable insight into publishing standards and strengthens academic profile. I would recommend this role to colleagues who are committed to contributing to their field and engaging deeply with scholarly work.

What advice would you give to researchers who want to join an editorial board?

What skills or achievements are most important for this?

Where is the best place to start?

I think developing a strong publication record, engaging actively as a reviewer, and building expertise in a clearly defined research area. A good starting point is to review journals and provide timely, thoughtful, and constructive feedback. This is often how editors identify potential editorial board members.

What does being part of an editorial board mean to you personally?

It is a significant responsibility. As I mentioned early, with the growing influence of AI in research and the increasing number of submissions, it can sometimes be challenging to find suitable reviewers. This requires strong dedication, time management, and discipline to ensure that decisions are not delayed for authors. At the same time, it is a privilege to contribute to shaping the field and to support the development of high-quality scholarship worldwide.

How did you become a member of the editorial board?

In each case, someone I knew reached out and invited me to be a member.

What does it mean in practice to be a member of the editorial board in your journal?

It varies depending on the journal’s needs.

How do you think your work on the editorial board influences the development of your field?

Are there any topics or areas that are particularly important right now-and that you help promote?

Have there been cases when a decision on a manuscript was especially difficult or principled?

I think people feel encouraged to submit a paper to a journal if they recognize members of the editorial

board as having significant and relevant work in the field. If people feel encouraged to submit a paper to a

journal based on seeing me on an editorial board list, I consider it both a personal accomplishment and a

means to facilitating more knowledge production.

What research trends have you observed through this role?

What distinguishes a strong academic article from a weak one today?

What mistakes do authors make most often?

It’s important to note the questions you ask are for reviewers, not editorial board members.

How has your participation in the editorial board influenced your professional network?

Have there been new international collaborations?

Do you interact with authors and editors from different countries?

As I’ve said, the collaborations and interactions happen first, then the editorial board invitation. The boards I

have been on do not have full board meetings, but I’ve seen that in practice in other journals.

How has this role changed you as a researcher and a teacher?

Has it influenced your own academic writing style?

What do you do differently now in your academic work?

Again, the experience of being a peer reviewer has been more influential in this way.


What is the most challenging aspect of being an editorial board member?

How do you deal with ethical dilemmas?

Is it difficult to reject submissions?


The most challenging aspect is not having this kind of decision making power or other forms of power and

access to the journal.


How does editorial board membership influence an academic career?

How important is it for international recognition?

Would you recommend that colleagues aspire to this role?

Despite the limitations, being on an editorial board is still a sign of recognition.

What advice would you give to researchers who want to join an editorial board?

What skills or achievements are most important for this?

Where is the best place to start?

Keep writing publications and checking your email. Make your work visible to others in multiple ways.

What does being part of an editorial board mean to you personally?

It means I am valued for my expertise in the field.

How did you become a member of the editorial board?

I have been a regular reviewer for journals in higher education, and through this sustained contribution, I was invited by editors to join the editorial board.
Associate Editor. Higher Education Research and Development. Q1 from April 2026

Editorial Board Member for Studies in Higher Education. Q1 from August 2025

Member of International Advisory Board for Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education. From March 2022

Editorial Board Member for The Central Asia Higher Education Review. From October 2025

What does it mean in practice to be a member of the editorial board in your journal?

Serving on the editorial board of journals in higher education involves contributing to the peer review process by evaluating manuscripts within my area of expertise and advising editors on publication decisions. It also entails supporting the journal’s strategic direction by identifying emerging research areas and recommending themes special issues. More broadly, it reflects a commitment to maintaining scholarly standards, ensuring the integrity of the review process, and strengthening the journal’s academic reputation within the field.

How do you think your work on the editorial board influences the development of your field?

Are there any topics or areas that are particularly important right now—and that you help promote?

From my experience, I haven’t observed some topics being more important than others. The selection of papers for publications largely depends on the quality of the paper and its’ contribution to the broader field.

Have there been cases when a decision on a manuscript was especially difficult or principled?

Yes, particularly in cases where a manuscript addresses an important and timely topic but falls short methodologically or raises ethical concerns. In such instances, I provide constructive feedback with the responsibility to uphold the journal’s standards and integrity. These decisions often require careful judgement, especially when there is disagreement among reviewers or potential implications for the field.

What research trends have you observed through this role?

What distinguishes a strong academic article from a weak one today?

A strong article offers a clear contribution, robust methodology, and a well-positioned argument within current debates. A weak paper typically lacks conceptual clarity, methodological rigour, or a clear link to existing literature.

What mistakes do authors make most often?

Common issues include poorly defined research questions, weak alignment between theory, methods, and findings, and insufficient engagement with recent scholarship. Authors also often underestimate the importance of clarity, structure, and responding carefully to reviewer expectations.

How has your participation in the editorial board influenced your professional network?

Have there been new international collaborations?

Do you interact with authors and editors from different countries?

Serving on editorial boards has significantly expanded my professional network by connecting me with editors, reviewers, and scholars across diverse higher education systems. It has led to new international collaborations, including joint publications, and participation in academic events. Occasionally I interact with authors and editors from different countries, which provides valuable insight into global research trends and strengthens cross-national scholarly exchange.

How has this role changed you as a researcher and a teacher?

Has it influenced your own academic writing style?

What do you do differently now in your academic work?

Serving on editorial boards has made me more critical and reflective as both a researcher and a teacher. It has strengthened my academic writing by emphasising clarity, structure, and a stronger alignment between research questions, methods, and contributions. I now approach my work more strategically, with greater attention to positioning, rigour, and audience expectations.

What is the most challenging aspect of being an editorial board member?

How do you deal with ethical dilemmas (e.g., controversial manuscripts)?

Is it difficult to reject submissions?

I address ethical dilemmas by adhering closely to the journal’s guidelines, consulting editors when needed, and prioritising fairness, transparency, and academic integrity. Rejecting submissions can be difficult, particularly when the topic is important, but it is necessary to maintain quality standards. I aim to provide constructive and respectful feedback with recommendations for improving the article.

How does editorial board membership influence an academic career?

How important is it for international recognition?

Would you recommend that colleagues aspire to this role?

I believe editorial board membership strengthens an academic career by enhancing visibility, credibility, and engagement with the field’s leading scholarship. It is valuable for international recognition, as it signals expertise and connects scholars to global academic networks. I would recommend it to colleagues, as it offers both professional development and opportunities to contribute to the advancement of our teaching and research.

What advice would you give to researchers who want to join an editorial board?

What skills or achievements are most important for this?

Where is the best place to start?

Key skills include critical evaluation, methodological rigour, and the ability to provide constructive, balanced feedback. A good starting point is reviewing regularly for journals, networking at conferences, and developing a visible research profile in a clear area of expertise.

What does being part of an editorial board mean to you personally?

For me, being part of an editorial board is both a professional responsibility and a form of service to the academic community. It also strengthens my own teaching and research by sharpening my critical perspective, contributes to shaping the direction and quality of research in higher education and keeping me closely engaged with emerging scholarship in my field.

AERA Open (Sage), Editorial Board Member

Leadership & Policy in Schools, Editorial Board Member

Research on Educational Leadership and Management (REAL), Advisory Board Member

Central Asia Higher Education Review, Editorial Board Member


What does it mean in practice to be a member of the editorial board in your journal?

An editorial board member usually advises the direction of the journal. There are editorial board meetings twice a year. How the journal is doing is discussed in the meeting. Depending on the volume of papers, editorial members review up to 4 papers per year.


What distinguishes a strong academic article from a weak one today?

A strong academic article has a clear definition of the problem, a strong theoretical or practical orientation, and a strong methodology.

What mistakes do authors make most often?

I think the authors do not read carefully and request reviews from their colleagues. Writing a good article takes time and effort. Choosing a journal that publishes on the topic of the article is also important.

How has your participation in the editorial board influenced your professional network?

Have there been new international collaborations?

Yes, networking is always important for communication. It is the same for scholars as well.

Do you interact with authors and editors from different countries?

Yes. Frequently. First, we submit to different journals. Also, journals and editors send invitations to review papers. If you have time, try to review it. But everyone is busy, and it might be difficult to respond positively to all invitations.

How has this role changed you as a researcher and a teacher?

Has it influenced your own academic writing style?

Yes, you can learn a lot from others' work. You have to review others’ work carefully so that the author(s) can improve the study.

What is the most challenging aspect of being an editorial board member?

How do you deal with ethical dilemmas (e.g., controversial manuscripts)?

I have not come across many ethical dilemmas. You do not know who the author is.

Is it difficult to reject submissions?

Yes, since the author(s) put a lot of time and effort into those submissions. You yourself also do it. You are doing your best to improve the manuscripts.

How does editorial board membership influence an academic career?

How important is it for international recognition?

I do not think that it influences your career. It might bring some recognition.

Would you recommend that colleagues aspire to this role?

Yes, this is something that all faculty must do in their careers. The appointments are usually limited to 3 years.

What advice would you give to researchers who want to join an editorial board?

What skills or achievements are most important for this?

I think knowing the literature well and staying up to date with recent trends is important. Also, sound methodological knowledge is important.

Where is the best place to start?

Reviewing manuscripts and publishing book reviews may be a good start.

What does being part of an editorial board mean to you personally?

Contributing to your scholarly field, contributing to the advancement of knowledge,and representing your institution.

How did you become a member of the editorial board?

In each case, someone I knew reached out and invited me to be a member.

What does it mean in practice to be a member of the editorial board in your journal?

It varies depending on the journal’s needs.

How do you think your work on the editorial board influences the development of your field?
Are there any topics or areas that are particularly important right now—and that you help promote?
Have there been cases when a decision on a manuscript was especially difficult or principled?

I think people feel encouraged to submit a paper to a journal if they recognize members of the editorial
board as having significant and relevant work in the field. If people feel encouraged to submit a paper to a
journal based on seeing me on an editorial board list, I consider it both a personal accomplishment and a
means to facilitating more knowledge production.

What research trends have you observed through this role?
What distinguishes a strong academic article from a weak one today?
What mistakes do authors make most often?

It’s important to note the questions you ask are for reviewers, not editorial board members.

How has your participation in the editorial board influenced your professional network?
Have there been new international collaborations?
Do you interact with authors and editors from different countries?

As I’ve said, the collaborations and interactions happen first, then the editorial board invitation. The boards I
have been on do not have full board meetings, but I’ve seen that in practice in other journals.

How has this role changed you as a researcher and a teacher?
Has it influenced your own academic writing style?
What do you do differently now in your academic work?

Again, the experience of being a peer reviewer has been more influential in this way.

What is the most challenging aspect of being an editorial board member?
How do you deal with ethical dilemmas (e.g., controversial manuscripts)?
Is it difficult to reject submissions?

The most challenging aspect is not having this kind of decision making power or other forms of power and
access to the journal.

How does editorial board membership influence an academic career?
How important is it for international recognition?
Would you recommend that colleagues aspire to this role?

Despite the limitations, being on an editorial board is still a sign of recognition.

What advice would you give to researchers who want to join an editorial board?
What skills or achievements are most important for this?
Where is the best place to start?

Keep writing publications and checking your email. Make your work visible to others in multiple ways.

What does being part of an editorial board mean to you personally?

It means I am valued for my expertise in the field.