SMART GOALS:
1. At the end of this workshop, the learner will be able to identify the three key components of a literature review.
2. At the end of this workshop, the learner will be able to identify at three areas to include in a coding sheet for reviewing literature.
3. At the end of this workshop, the learner will be able to briefly explain the benefit(s) of using a coding form.
Introduction to Literature Reviews
What is a literature review?
A literature review is created to establish a framework of theory about a topic/subject being researched. A review includes information about what is already known in the subject being investigated, questions that may be open for investigation, and a need for further research in the area. The process for creating a literature review involves several steps.
The first step is to establish a research question/topic. This would be what the researcher is investigating. The use of a coding form can assist the researcher in organizing the information from each piece of literature reviewed (more discussion will occur later in the workshop about this form). Next, a search of the available literature is completed to gather the needed empirical data for the research. Synthesizing these results of this search allows the researcher to develop themes or categories for discussion, citation, and investigation.
The final step is to write an assessment of the literature reviewed. This process is an ongoing cycle. As the researcher considers more articles/literature, the review will be refined to reflect the most up-to-date information gathered, synthesized and presented.
A literature review is created to establish a framework of theory about a topic/subject being researched. A review includes information about what is already known in the subject being investigated, questions that may be open for investigation, and a need for further research in the area. The process for creating a literature review involves several steps.
The first step is to establish a research question/topic. This would be what the researcher is investigating. The use of a coding form can assist the researcher in organizing the information from each piece of literature reviewed (more discussion will occur later in the workshop about this form). Next, a search of the available literature is completed to gather the needed empirical data for the research. Synthesizing these results of this search allows the researcher to develop themes or categories for discussion, citation, and investigation.
The final step is to write an assessment of the literature reviewed. This process is an ongoing cycle. As the researcher considers more articles/literature, the review will be refined to reflect the most up-to-date information gathered, synthesized and presented.
How does the use of blended learning affect student engagement in K – 12 settings?
The research subject being investigated in this workshop is: Engaging K – 12 students in Blended Learning. The research question is more specific: How does the use of blended learning affect student engagement in K – 12 settings? This is being investigate because the delivery of K -12 subject matter is rapidly changing in our country. Integrating technology is a great way of engaging students in learning. However, if technology is going to be a main teaching strategy additional information is needed to clearly understand what student engagement looks like in this classroom environment. Teachers need to know and understand these differences because it will affect the learning environment and presentation methods.
What is a Coding Form?
A coding form is a basic excel spreadsheet that separates and easily identifies the important characteristics of a piece of literature being reviewed. These areas are needed for quick analysis of the article. This quick look allows the researcher to determine if all aspects of the area of research have been covered. The follow are the main areas to be included on the form: APA citation of the article, abstract of the article, theoretical framework, methods, measures, reliability, validity, findings, overall critique of the article, bigger picture applications.
This set of criteria provides the critical information needed for deciding whether or not to include in the review. By setting up the form with these areas, the researcher can gather important, citable information in an organized fashion. This format also allows the researcher to add on to the listing to keep all reviewed articles in one organized place for reference.
Below is a sample of a coding form used in the review of literature for Blended Learning and Student Engagement.
This set of criteria provides the critical information needed for deciding whether or not to include in the review. By setting up the form with these areas, the researcher can gather important, citable information in an organized fashion. This format also allows the researcher to add on to the listing to keep all reviewed articles in one organized place for reference.
Below is a sample of a coding form used in the review of literature for Blended Learning and Student Engagement.
silvus_-coding_assignment_3__1_.xls | |
File Size: | 69 kb |
File Type: | xls |
What makes a good Literature review?
A solid literature review includes three main components: sound theory, empirical evidence, and a synthesis of the literature reviewed. The theory section of the review is somewhat difficult to develop. In effective reviews, the theory section includes a definition of the theory being investigated, an explanation of the theory, and applications of how the theory is used in practice.
The second area, critical to the review, is the empirical data found in the literature. Areas that should be addressed in this section include if the results are convincing, if the studies are reliable, is there much evidence provided, and if the studies can be generalized.
The final area of the review is the synthesis of the content. In crafting this section, the researcher should look at the themes occurring across articles and the evidence to support these themes. The researcher should also consider if the field is just generally described and what value the research adds to the field. Other aspects to include in this synthesis involve the conclusions from the research, any new directions or questions posed about the field, and any other information that adds value to the field being researched. The synthesis section is critical to providing the rationale for the research and investigation of the topic.
NOTE: One area not mentioned above, but important to the review, relates to information in opposition to the question/topic being researched. In order to accurately consider all perspectives a researcher must include information related to the negation of the research goal(s).
Below you will find an example of a literature review. This review is based on the topic described above related to Blended Learning and Student Engagement.
The second area, critical to the review, is the empirical data found in the literature. Areas that should be addressed in this section include if the results are convincing, if the studies are reliable, is there much evidence provided, and if the studies can be generalized.
The final area of the review is the synthesis of the content. In crafting this section, the researcher should look at the themes occurring across articles and the evidence to support these themes. The researcher should also consider if the field is just generally described and what value the research adds to the field. Other aspects to include in this synthesis involve the conclusions from the research, any new directions or questions posed about the field, and any other information that adds value to the field being researched. The synthesis section is critical to providing the rationale for the research and investigation of the topic.
NOTE: One area not mentioned above, but important to the review, relates to information in opposition to the question/topic being researched. In order to accurately consider all perspectives a researcher must include information related to the negation of the research goal(s).
Below you will find an example of a literature review. This review is based on the topic described above related to Blended Learning and Student Engagement.
2bsilvus-final_lit_review.pdf | |
File Size: | 155 kb |
File Type: |