Professor Emerita, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles
I am deeply heartened by the invaluable intellectual and ethical labour advanced by the Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER). In a time when neoliberal policies continue to narrow the scope of educational thought, MRER stands as a vital space for rigorous, dialogical, and justice-oriented scholarship. The journal’s commitment to fostering critical inquiry, cultural understanding, and transformative educational practices resonates with the spirit of Paulo Freire’s call to link education to liberation. Through its inclusive and international approach, MRER cultivates a much-needed space where educators, researchers, and activists can challenge dominant paradigms and reimagine education in the service of human dignity and social transformation. MRER is an indispensable resource for all those engaged in the struggle for a more just and democratic world.
Professor, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
The Malta Review of Educational Research has made an outstanding contribution to the dissemination of high-quality peer-reviewed educational research in Malta and beyond. Having started life as the Journal of Maltese Educational Research, the journal was renamed the Malta Review of Educational Research in 2013 and has matured into an online publishing space that attracts both established and emerging scholars alike. True to its goal of democratising scholarship and reaching practitioner as well as scholarly and policy audiences, MRER is an open-access journal that eschews profit for service. MRER offers critical analysis of emerging educational issues, complex and intractable problems, and forward-thinking pieces that traverse policy, pedagogy, and curriculum. I am extremely proud to have served on the journal’s international advisory team and as reviewer throughout its 20 years of development.
Professor Emeritus, and Former Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Malta
Educational research is key to the ongoing progressive development of education systems everywhere, and thereby of national social and economic growth. The initiative taken by the Faculty of Education at the University of Malta twenty years ago, driven by Prof. Carmel Borg, to give birth to a quality journal, the Malta Review of Educational Research has this kind of importance for Malta, and internationally since such journals are of key interest to comparative research, and to quality education policies. The launch of the journal also brought Malta in line with other developed countries that host similar journals. Since then, the journal’s policy of publishing research over the widest spectrum of areas and topics in and related to education, its openness to both empirical and theoretical research, and its offer of free access to readers, praiseworthy in itself in this commercially driven world, has paid off in terms of the numerous good quality articles it has published, and the service it has provided for its readers.
Former Minister of Labour and Social Policy, and a Senior Social Policy Expert, Bulgaria
As the Malta Review of Educational Research celebrates its 20th anniversary, I honour its role as a trusted, open-access platform advancing educational knowledge that serves the public good. As a social policy leader, former Minister, and researcher in early childhood development, I have witnessed the transformative power of knowledge to shape more just, equitable, and responsive systems for children and families. MRER’s commitment to peer-reviewed, contextually grounded research has made it a vital space for reflection, innovation, and academic integrity. In a region where access to evidence can be uneven, MRER democratizes insight, empowering both emerging and established scholars to inform teaching, policy, and practice. This is invaluable for those of us dedicated to building child and family-centred policies. From my 27 years of professional dedication, I know that lasting change begins with the willingness to ask critical questions, the ability to generate evidence, and the courage to share knowledge widely. MRER embodies this spirit. I warmly congratulate the editorial team and contributors on two decades of meaningful impact and look forward to their continued role in shaping futures through education.
Associate Professor, University of Patras, Greece
As The Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) marks its 20th anniversary, I am honoured to offer my heartfelt congratulations and reflections on its remarkable journey. Over the past two decades, this open-access journal has played a vital role in democratising knowledge, making high-quality educational research accessible to scholars, practitioners, and students around the globe. Its commitment to scholarly rigour, innovation, and inclusivity has helped shape critical conversations in education, advancing both theory and practice. In an era where open access is not just a publishing model but a philosophical stance on equity and knowledge sharing, the journal has stood as a pioneering example of what academic publishing can and should be. I have seen its impact throughout the years. It elevates emerging voices and fosters international dialogue and it continually responds to the evolving challenges in education in Southern Europe and not only. Moreover, I had the chance to welcome its Editor, Professor Carmel Borg, in my Department in University of Patras, Greece, twice. As the journal looks toward the future, I extend my warmest wishes for its continued growth, influence, and relevance. I am sure that MRER will remain a beacon of open, thoughtful, and transformative scholarship in the field of educational research for the years to come.
Professor, University of Gdansk, Poland
Twenty years of The Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) - an extraordinary journal - means not only dozens of excellent volumes and other projects accompanying their publications. This twenty-year achievement of MRER should be connected with the development of socio-pedagogical thought. A significant contribution of MRER to this development is always grounded in cooperation with practitioners. Each initiative, which is reflected in the pages of numerous MRER publications, is not only related to educational practice in many different dimensions and aspects, but also significantly enriches it. Rooted in the Freirean tradition, the critical approaches practised in MRER transform this enrichment into a deepening of political consciousness and a grounding of democracy in a profound understanding of its core values. MRER has therefore been serving the democratic community in this way for twenty years and may it continue to do so without obstacles. In the current reality, when the crisis of democracy is part of the all-encompassing, crisis condition of the world in which we live, this mission and this activity of MRER is particularly valuable and desirable. This will always be supported by the excellent philosophy of the editorial board of MRER which is “to distribute this journal freely, thereby providing open access to all”. Let’s continue to maintain this excellent and appropriate direction of thinking and action to the challenges of the world we live in!
Head of Department Social Work, Care and Community, Nottingham Trent University, England
As The Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) marks its 20th anniversary, I celebrate a remarkable contribution to educational scholarship in Malta and beyond. Over the past two decades, MRER has provided an important platform for rigorous, peer-reviewed research that reflects the evolving educational landscape, policy, and practice both locally and internationally. Its commitment to open access publishing has ensured that high-quality educational research is freely accessible to educators, policymakers, and researchers worldwide—democratising knowledge and promoting inclusive dialogue. In doing so, MRER has helped to strengthen the research culture within Malta and positioned it as an active voice in global educational debates. The journal’s sustained excellence and relevance are a testament to the dedication of its editorial team, reviewers, and contributors. Their work upholds the core values of academic integrity, collaboration, and innovation that have guided MRER from its inception. Continued support for MRER affirms these values and ensures that Malta remains a beacon for open, critical, and impactful educational research. Congratulations on this milestone anniversary—and may the next 20 years continue to inspire, inform, and influence.
School of Education, University of Glasgow, Scotland
As MRER celebrates its 20th anniversary, I want to express my deep appreciation for the space the journal has cultivated, one grounded in values of inclusion, social change, and critical engagement with power in education. In an academic landscape often shaped by hierarchies, MRER has consistently offered a platform for research that challenges dominant narratives and embraces alternative ways of knowing, writing, and being. I greatly admire MRER’s open-access policy, which reflects a strong ethical and political commitment to making research freely available to all. I also value the journal’s openness to diverse voices, contexts, and epistemologies; its willingness to engage with work that is often excluded from mainstream academic publishing has made it a vital and inclusive space for critical scholarship. The journal is an invaluable resource for those of us working toward a more just and reflexive educational field, both within Malta and internationally. I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow in its next chapter. Warmest congratulations on this important milestone.
Professor Emeritus, Co-Chair, UNESCO Chair in Community-Based Research and Social Responsibility in Higher Education, Centre for Global Studies, University of Victoria, Canada
The Malta Review of Educational Research has been a fresh and welcome addition to our shared world of critical and transformative educational studies. Its location in Malta—an historic intellectual crossroads—and its affiliation with the University of Malta have provided an exciting and meaningful foundation. Congratulations on your 20th anniversary. Looking forward to many more!
Researcher, UC Leuven-Limburg, Belgium
It is important to recognise the vital role of open-access, peer-reviewed, academic publishing in shaping inclusive and accessible educational research. In a global academic landscape where access to research is often limited by paywalls or institutional privilege, the Malta Review of Educational Research stands as a valuable example of how knowledge can be shared broadly and equitably. This openness not only widens the reach and relevance of educational research, but also fosters a more informed, critical, and participatory professional community. MRER’s commitment to publishing work that spans diverse educational contexts and themes makes it an important contributor to ongoing dialogue and innovation in the field. Congratulations to the editorial team and all contributors for two decades of promoting critical, accessible, and socially engaged educational research.
Professor, Vilnius University, Lithuania, and editor-in-chief of ‘Social welfare: interdisciplinary approach’
As fellow editors and advocates of educational research, it is a sincere pleasure to congratulate The Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) on its 20th anniversary. Over the years, MRER has stood as a testament to the enduring value of open-access, peer-reviewed scholarship - a space where ideas are exchanged freely, critically, and with collegial respect. In a time marked by complex social and educational change, platforms like MRER are more vital than ever. They not only disseminate knowledge but also foster the kinds of professional relationships and shared understandings that help us interpret the world around us. The commitment MRER has shown to rigorous inquiry and inclusive dialogue resonates well beyond Malta’s borders. On this important milestone, I extend warm wishes on behalf of our editorial team. May MRER continue to inspire, challenge, and connect us - as scholars and as colleagues - in our shared pursuit of understanding through education.”
Professor, and Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability, University of Malta
As MRER celebrates its 20th anniversary, I would like to congratulate the editor, Prof Carmel Borg, for his foresight in ensuring the free distribution of this peer-reviewed journal through open access. From the perspective of the authors and collaborators, publishing in open access journals offers several advantages: it facilitates the sharing of research and increases visibility, thus providing researchers with a wider platform and the possibility of reaching larger audiences. Such visibility could lead to further collaboration and exchange among local and international researchers and academics. From an institutional perspective, the local research focusing on education issues and the academic rigour of members of staff at the University of Malta, contribute to strengthening the institution’s position in international rankings. From the perspective of our small island nation, publishing in open access journals facilitates the dissemination of diverse and rich academic research undertaken with a view to critically analysing on-going issues in education and helps the education community to engage in national and international debates and comparative work. Engagement with research contributes to the development of communities of informed practitioners, and leads to insightful, evidence-based policy decisions.
Ambassador of the Republic of Malta
As an alumnus of the Faculty of Education (1982-1987) I am proud to endorse the Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) for its vital role in advancing educational scholarship with local relevance and global reach. The Faculty of Education has long served as a cornerstone of Malta’s intellectual and social development, nurturing generations of educators and researchers committed to excellence and equity in education and within this framework the Malta Review of Educational Research promotes research that is not only academically rigorous but also responsive to real-world, global challenges. In my work across the African continent, I have been privileged to observe first-hand how quality education is fundamental to sustainable development, social inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding. Malta’s position at the crossroads of Europe and Africa makes it uniquely placed to contribute to global educational discourse and MRER exemplifies the Faculty of Education’s commitment to this mission. I am therefore delighted to mark the 20th anniversary of the Malta Review of Educational Research, a publication which sets a clear course for the next generation of educators and encourages continued dialogue through educational research and critical thought for a global audience.
Professor, University of Glasgow, Scotland
As a member of the International Board of Reviewers for the Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER), I am proud to celebrate two decades of the journal’s outstanding contribution to educational scholarship. The journal has played a pivotal role in amplifying diverse voices and fostering dialogue that bridges local educational contexts with international perspectives. Its commitment to inclusivity, academic rigour, and relevance has made it a trusted resource for educators, researchers, and policymakers alike. Being part of MRER’s journey, I have witnessed how it nurtures critical inquiry and supports the development of evidence-based educational practices that respond to real-world challenges. MRER has consistently upheld the highest standards of peer-reviewed research while championing open access, ensuring that valuable educational insights are freely available to a global audience.
Professor, The Umbra Institute, Perugia, Italy
As I scroll through the Malta Review of Education Research, I immediately notice the range of topics this open online, peer-reviewed journal critically examines, covering topics from mathematics and sports to art, language learning, and intercultural communication, encompassing the entire spectrum of knowledge, with a particular emphasis on Malta’s education system, while also featuring research findings from both European and non-European countries. One aspect stands out: its dedication to the multicultural dimension. As a sociolinguist, I particularly appreciate the focus on language learning and the intercultural communication challenges faced by Maltese and non-Maltese students and teachers in Malta’s multicultural and multi-ethnic environment, shaped by its history and geographic position. In this context, the Malta Review of Education Research excellently reflects the dynamic socio-cultural changes that Malta, as an immigration country, is undergoing and must navigate. Hence, educational research that incorporates multi-ethnic, multicultural, and intercultural aspects is of utmost importance in this rapidly evolving world. The MRER is a perfect dynamic example, encouraging researchers worldwide to undertake transformative educational research. And for this purpose, intercultural communication is central to education since only through communication can we educate and create a new culture for a truly inclusive society, building empathy and global citizenship.
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Professor, Florida Atlantic University, USA
It is with profound admiration and great respect that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to The Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) as it celebrates its 20th anniversary, a remarkable milestone in the advancement of scholarly inquiry. As a Fulbright Scholar to the University of Malta in 2018, and a proud contributor to MRER, I have had the distinct privilege of engaging with Malta’s vibrant academic community. My time there was both intellectually invigorating and personally transformative, fostering meaningful dialogue and forging lasting ties. Publishing in MRER remains a highlight of my scholarly journey. The journal’s steadfast commitment to rigorous peer review, academic integrity, and the open dissemination of knowledge underscores its pivotal role in the global research system. MRER exemplifies Malta’s dedication to educational excellence and continues to shape the future of research in powerful, enduring ways. As an open-access platform, MRER empowers scholars worldwide, amplifying diverse voices, cultivating critical dialogue, and ensuring that impactful research reaches across borders. Its longevity is a testament to the vision and perseverance of its editorial leadership and contributors, whose collective efforts have elevated the journal to a place of well-deserved distinction. With deep appreciation for its legacy and enthusiasm for its future, I proudly endorse MRER’s ongoing mission. Congratulations to the entire MRER team on this extraordinary achievement. May the decades ahead be filled with continued innovation, collaboration, and academic excellence.
Professor, and former Dean of the Faculty of Education, University of Malta
For the past two decades, the Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) has firmly established itself in the field of educational scholarship through its openness to a wide range of perspectives. The contributions from diverse fields, including interdisciplinary approaches, are a testimonial to this and the resulting intellectual breadth not only enriches content but also fosters dialogue across academic boundaries. I also appreciate MRER’s emphasis on accessibility and efficiency, as well as its swift publication process that ensures that research findings are disseminated without undue delay. In an era when academic timelines can stretch on endlessly, this balance of efficiency and rigour is especially praiseworthy. The journal’s commitment to emerging scholars is another one of its strengths. Several of my graduate students have published their first articles here, and the supportive yet rigorous feedback they received not only improved their manuscripts but also boosted their confidence as new researchers. Personally, I especially value MRER’s generosity of spirit. The editors welcome articles that approach education from every angle and in doing so they create a space for connections to thrive. Ad multos annos MRER, and in bocca al lupo!
Professor, University of Salerno, Italy
The Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) is an international electronic journal that, under the scientific direction of Carmel Borg (University of Malta), with scientific rigour guaranteed by the peer review process, explores, through the articles it publishes in open access, the trajectories and problems of education through theoretical and empirical analyses that with a critical approach highlight the potential and weaknesses of educational processes. This type of analysis, however, is not limited only to the context of Malta, but extends its gaze beyond the border to observe how and to what extent educational processes (with all the variables involved), can be configured as a “common and relational good” capable of improving society and contributing to the mobilization of practices. A current and indispensable journal as it contributes both to educational theory and to the identification of those factors and parameters necessary in defining policies of/for educational processes that must be configured as appropriate as possible to changes in society. The journal, offering an open and free space to scholars and professionals, allows the development of a debate that is more necessary than ever in the historical period that the entire world is experiencing.
Professor, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
Over the past two decades, The Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) has offered a vital space for critical scholarship that interrogates the taken-for-granted in education. Its commitment to open-access publishing has made it a unique and accessible forum for work that often struggles to find a home in mainstream academic journals. Notably, MRER has consistently foregrounded research with a decolonial lens—highlighting how education systems in Malta and the wider Mediterranean region are shaped by colonial legacies and cultural hierarchies. The journal has given space to voices that are frequently marginalised: migrant learners and their families, speakers of minoritised languages, early childhood educators, and scholars working outside dominant paradigms. Special issues addressing themes such as postcolonial identities, the politics of language in education, and the role of schools in either reproducing or resisting inequality have contributed to building counterhegemonic narratives from the global South. As MRER marks its 20th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of independent, critical scholarship—and to the importance of keeping spaces open for reflective, transformative, and socially committed educational research.
Senior Lecturer, University of Brighton, England
Over a period of nine years, I was privileged to direct and teach on Early Childhood and Education Masters programmes and to supervise PhD students who were studying for a doctorate. During that time, The Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) which is an open-access, peer-reviewed educational research journal played a significant role ensuring student access to research studies conducted within the Maltese context. The fact that some of those same students have since had articles from their own research published in the MRER is noteworthy and demonstrates the major influence of the journal in Malta and beyond. Being an open access journal means that academic peers, policy makers and practitioners all have equal access to the journal thereby strengthening the reach and impact of the journal internationally. The fact that the MRER is celebrating its 20th year in circulation is testament to the longevity of the journal, moreover to the integrity of the editorial team who will have had to adapt their ways of working over the past two decades without losing the quality and academic rigour of the publication.
Professor, University of Seville, Spain
The Malta Review of Educational Research is an open-access journal. For me, this is a very important issue, and I want to highlight this characteristic and focus my commentary on it. We are witnessing the transformation of science, not as a space for sharing knowledge but as a place for business, as never seen before. Raymond Williams, back in 1996, in ‘Communications’, warned us about the concentration of media in a few hands. Now, we can see how scientific journals are being concentrated in an increasingly small group of publishers that are closed-access, subscription-based, or open-access only when paid. In Spain, diverse scientific journals were sold to companies whose fundamental objective is business; not the transfer and dissemination of research results to other scientists and the public, who support research and universities through their tax payments. Therefore, and in conclusion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Journal’s editors for maintaining it as a space for scientific debate and knowledge transfer. In these times, this is a heroic task.
Deputy Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Malta
As Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Malta, I am honoured to contribute to the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER). This milestone is a significant achievement and reflects the sustained commitment, scholarly rigour, and editorial vision that have shaped the journal since its inception. MRER has established itself as a vital platform for high-quality, peer-reviewed, open-access research that engages with the complex realities of education in Malta and beyond. It has played an important role in fostering a research culture that is critical, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of the field. MRER has not only documented Malta’s educational challenges and innovations but has actively contributed to reimagining what education can and should be. At a time when we are collectively hoping for a profound transformation in education, the role of research in informing and guiding this aspiration is critical. MRER has made, and continues to make, an invaluable contribution by supporting intellectual work that challenges assumptions, deepens understanding, and proposes new possibilities for learning, teaching, and leadership—research which we hope will be increasingly taken note of in shaping future directions. I extend my appreciation and congratulations to all those who have contributed to the journal’s ongoing success.
Former Deputy Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Malta
The Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) is a highly respected, peer-reviewed academic journal that plays a pivotal role in advancing educational scholarship both locally and internationally. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that published articles meet the highest standards of academic integrity and contribute meaningfully to the field. MRER distinguishes itself through the breadth and depth of its subject matter, encompassing a wide range of topical issues relevant to educators, researchers, and policy-makers. A notable strength of MRER is its commitment to contextual relevance. The journal foregrounds educational issues that are deeply rooted in the Maltese context, while skilfully positioning them within broader global debates. This dual focus not only enriches local academic discourse but also enhances international understanding of education in small states and diverse settings. Many Maltese academics choose to publish in MRER because it provides a credible and thoughtful platform for engaging with contemporary challenges in education. Its inclusion of comparative perspectives further strengthens its appeal, allowing for critical reflection on commonalities and differences across educational systems. Over the years, MRER has garnered considerable recognition within the global higher education landscape, affirming its status as a valuable and authoritative voice in educational research.
Associate Professor, University of Tallinn, Estonia
For twenty years, the Malta Review of Educational Research (MRER) has been an impactful educational journal for scholars and professionals from the field of education. As an open-access and peer-reviewed journal, it has provided a trusted space for sharing high quality theoretical and empirical papers. MRER’s commitment to freely sharing high-quality research has influenced academic discussion, educational policy, teaching and learning practice across Malta and has also garnered scholars’ interest and respect beyond Malta’s shores. Through general, themed, or supplemental issues released twice a year, the journal strikes a balance between open dialogue, inspiring researchers and supporting educators and educational leadership. Congratulations to the editors, reviewers, contributors and everyone involved in this 20th anniversary milestone!