Research Personalities: Broad vs. Focused
Broad Search
- Google search commands:
- site:.edu
- intitle:literacy
- “action research”
- Library 1Search
- use filters for Peer Review, Full Text
- remember: think of other ways to describe your topic, keep track of your progress
Focused Scan
- Choose a specific journal from Library E-Journals, scan through recent table of contents
- example journal lists: Learning Disabilities, Early Childhood, Action Research
- remember: skimming is perfectly okay, no need to get overwhelmed
Broad and Focused (mix of both)
- Choose a specific database to search for keywords
- example databases: Education Research Complete, ERIC, PsycInfo
- use the “OSU” button to find full text or request from InterLibrary Loan (ILL)
- remember: set yourself a timer, keep your tasks specific
Tips
- use the “Cite This” or “Citation” buttons to get information about the sources and keep track of them
- follow breadcrumb trails to other good sources — look for subjects, keywords, authors, or “related articles”
Keep Track of Your Stuff!
- Zotero … in the classroom
- Evernote … in the classroom
- Diigo … in the classroom
- Tips on Organizing Teaching Materials
- Teaching Organization via Pinterest
Further Exploration
- EdTechTalk – ongoing webcast series of discussions among educators
- TeachingHistory.org – examples and tips for educators at every level of K-12
- Wolfram Alpha – data geek’s heaven; see example searches
- Librivox – free audio books of public domain works
- Weekly Education Chats on Twitter – don’t need an account, just search for the hashtag to see posts
- Best American Infographics – just, you know, kinda fun
- NASA Image of the Day archive
- Sketchpad – free online sketchpad … might not work with every browser / device
- Every Time Zone – visual comparison of time zones, drag the green bar to change the time
- and finally, be willing to learn from your students.
