Steps for Creating a Literature Review
- Identify your topic and define the scope of the review.
- Gather the relevant literature. Keep track of links in RefWorks, Zotero, or in a Google/Word Doc.
- Read and take notes to engage the sources individually.
- Engage the sources as a whole.
- Organize them into groups or “buckets” (by theme, chronology, trend, or method). Be clear about how the “buckets” relate to each other and to your research question. You could use a synthesis matrix or other graphic organizer, or a color-coding scheme to code your notes. (See also, Writing A Literature Review and Using a Synthesis Matrix for further information)
- Return to Step 2: Gather to find additional sources if there are gaps/questions that are not answered by your sources
- Write, revise, rewrite, revise again, keeping your focus on synthesis–not summary.
Assistance with Writing/Organizing Your Literature Review
Further Resources
Background and reference sources, such as encyclopedias, are a great place to start your research.
- They provide a topic overview with relevant concepts, people, places, events, dates, and vocabulary.
- Having this information will help you focus your topic and generate search terms,
Encyclopedias
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Credo Reference This link opens in a new window Over 700 reference books covering a variety of disciplines and including foreign language dictionaries. Includes a concept map, which provides related subjects and noted personalities to assist beginning research.
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Gale Virtual Reference Library This link opens in a new window A database of encyclopedias and specialized reference resources for multidisciplinary research, including: fashion, film and filmmakers, pop culture, and multicultural issues. Includes the six-volume Beachams Guide to the Endangered Species of North America.
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Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints This link opens in a new window Covers timely issues, from capital punishment to immigration to marijuana. This cross-curricular resource supports science, social studies, current events, and language arts classes. Informed, differing views help learners develop critical-thinking skills and draw their own conclusions.
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CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window In-depth coverage of current events, providing full-length articles that include an overview, historical background, chronology, pro/con feature, plus resources for additional research.
Statistics/Government Agencies
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National Center for Education Statistics"The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education."
Teacher Associations
News Sources (See also the Newspapers guide)
News sources are a great source for current events and news/information that may be changing rapidly.
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Boston Globe (1980 - present) This link opens in a new windowBrowse by issue [Content is updated daily by 8 a.m.]:
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New York Times - Academic Pass This link opens in a new windowUse the TimesMachine site to explore over 150 years of Times journalism, as it originally appeared.
Trade Websites
Trade publications are geared toward professionals in the field, and the authors are often also professionals in the field. These websites often have good, current content, and can help you understand how education professionals think about issues.
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Websites for Educators (Harvard GSE)This is an enormous list of selected websites in education organized by topic (e.g., bilingual education, charter schools, reading, early childhood, education law, etc.).
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Rethinking SchoolsGrassroots magazine for social and racial justice in education.
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Learning for JusticeThe education project of the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Need help?
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