Refereeing for MAA Convergence

The MAA has a century-old tradition of publishing highly regarded mathematics journals. These instructions are intended for MAA Convergence, where history, mathematics, and teaching meet.

The Board of Governors of the Mathematical Association of America has mandated that our journals use a double‐blind review system.

Overview of MAA Convergence

MAA Convergence (“Where mathematics, history, and teaching meet!”) publishes articles about using the history of mathematics in the teaching of mathematics. It is aimed at teachers of mathematics at both the secondary and collegiate levels. Preference is given to topics from grades 8–16 mathematics, with special emphasis on topics from grades 8–14: algebra, combinatorics, synthetic and analytic geometry, trigonometry, probability and statistics, elementary functions, calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra.

Focus and Scope

Like the other MAA journals, MAA Convergence values accurate, clear, and engaging expository writing. Additionally, it publishes only material that advances the journal’s specialized mission to foster the history of mathematics and its use in classroom instruction. As is noted in MAA Convergence’s Aims and Scope document, this mission can be furthered through a wide variety of article types, topics, and pedagogical approaches.

Referee Expectations

The editors send to referees only those submissions that already—or, in some circumstances, have the potential to—utilize historical content while addressing practical applications for the mathematics classroom. In order to publish material that is as clear and helpful as possible to instructors who may use these resources, we ask referees to read manuscripts and offer pointers for improvement with respect to:

  • mathematical and historical accuracy,
  • engaging, interesting, and clear writing,
  • maximum usefulness for teachers (both high school and undergraduate) who may want to use the information contained in the article in support of their teaching.

Referees are asked to offer ideas for the following: interactive components, animations, and graphics that could be included in the article—or improvements concerning those already present.

The primary role of a referee is to help the editors determine how to proceed with the manuscript. Thus, your assessment of the submission should include helpful suggestions, corrections, and other comments that would help to strengthen the article’s impact. The editors are responsible for rejecting papers that are seriously flawed, and they may decide on a case-by-case basis to offer coaching to authors whose concepts and execution show promise but need improvement through extensive revisions. Ultimately, it is the author’s responsibility to adhere to the journal’s style and proper usage and grammar.

Template for a Thorough Referee Report

Here is a suggested structure for your report, borrowed and adapted from those for other MAA journals: the American Mathematical Monthly, College Mathematics Journal, and Mathematics Magazine.

  1. Summary – Here you should provide a brief summary of what the article is about, and its relationship to the literature.
  2. General Remarks – Here is where you include a short paragraph or two with your general take on the paper.
    • Do you think it is interesting?
    • What are the manuscript’s strengths?
    • Is it appropriate for this journal, or should it be considered for publication in a different journal?
    • Is it too long or too short?
    • Is it well-written?
    • Is the work sufficiently original to merit publication?
    • Are you recommending it for acceptance or not? Indicate the scope of the revisions you see as necessary for moving the submission forward.
  3. Major Areas of Revision – In this section you should describe any big-picture items you would like to see fixed.
  4. Minor Improvements – Collect here any suggestions for minor improvements to the paper, listed by page, paragraph, or line; as well as any other comments that the authors may wish to address prior to publication.
  5. References (optional) – These are meant to connect your review to the professional literature as needed.

Reviewing Schedules

Time for Reviewing

We ask that referee reports be returned within six weeks of agreeing to do so. If more time is required, please contact the editors (convergence@maa.org).

Reminder Notices

If you have received a request but have not responded, the system will send you a reminder after seven days and a second reminder after 20 days. After that, an unresponsive referee may be uninvited.

If you have received a request and have agreed to review, the system will send you a reminder seven days after your due date and a second reminder 20 days after your due date. At that time the editors may contact you personally or you may be uninvited.

Suggesting Referees

If you are unable to referee a submission, please suggest other people whom the editors could invite for this purpose.

Becoming Inactive

If you no longer want to referee, please let the editors know (convergence@maa.org) so that they can mark this request in the ScholarOne Submission Management System.