Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

1. What is the African Education Research Database (AERD)?

The AERD is a curated digital repository of educational research conducted over the last decade by scholars based in Africa. It includes peer-reviewed articles, PhD theses, working papers, and "grey literature" focused on educational policy and practice within the region.

2. Who can use the AERD?

The database is designed for researchers, university students, educators, policymakers, and international development partners looking for high-quality, context-specific research from Africa.

3. What types of documents are included in the database?

We host a variety of scholarly materials, including:

• Peer-reviewed journal articles
• Book chapters
• PhD theses and dissertations
• Working papers and technical reports
• Grey literature (research produced outside of traditional commercial publishing).

4. How do I search for a specific publication?

You can use the search bar on the Home Page to enter keywords. You can also filter results by:

• Thematic Area: (e.g., Primary Education, Teacher Training, Gender & Education)
• Country: Specific Sub-Saharan African nations
• Methodology: (e.g., Qualitative, Quantitative, Case Study)
• Access Level: Open or Closed access.

5. Is all the research on the platform "Open Access"?

Not all. While we prioritize Open Access research that is free to download, some records refer to "Closed Access" publications. For these, the database provides the metadata and links to the publisher's site where the full text may require a subscription or purchase.

6. What are the "Thematic Areas" covered?

Our database organizes research into key pillars, including Literacy, Learning Outcomes, Higher Education, Inclusion, Education Policy, and more.

7. What is the "My Library" feature?

"My Library" allows you to save publications for later reference. This helps you organize your bibliography and keep track of documents relevant to your specific research interests.

8. Do I need an account to save publications?

No, to use the "My Library" feature and save your search preferences, you do not need to register for an account on the AERD system.

9. Can I submit my research to the AERD?

We welcome contributions from scholars based in Africa. Research must meet our criteria regarding geographic focus, timeframe (last 10 years), and relevance to education policy or practice. Please visit our Guidelines page for submission instructions.

10. How is the "Approved Publications Map" updated?

The map on our homepage dynamically displays the distribution of research across the continent based on the number of approved publications, authors, and countries currently indexed in our system.

11. I am having trouble downloading a PDF. What should I do?

Check if the article is marked as "Open Access." If it is and you still cannot download it, please ensure your browser is updated or try clearing your cache. For persistent issues, contact us via the Contact Us page.

12. Who manages the AERD?

The database system is developed and maintained by ESSA & The REAL Centre and is curated by a network of educational research partners.