Course research guide
education issues

This research guide lists library sources that can help you with your research. Also: a Search Sheet (Word doc) to help you keep track of keywords and sources. Mrs. Walroth's ENGL 1301 students - join us for an online research session in Elluminate Live! virtual classroom on Wed, Apr 9, 7-8pm . Directions: 1. Before the session, go to Elluminate.com to see if you have the required Java application so that you can fully participate in class. At the minimum, you need computer speakers so that you can hear. If you have a mic, you can also use that to talk. 2. At 6:30pm on Apr 9, the room will open. Class starts at 7pm. Go to http://elluminatelive.accd.edu and enter the class by clicking on the link "ENGL 1301 Ellen Walroth - education research." Your username is your First Name. No password required. Have fun with your search, and let me know if you have questions or need help at any time! A recording of the session will be available at http://elluminatelive.accd.edu

I. Define Topic - reference sources in section III. below can help you with this part!

What topic are you researching?

List what you know about your topic -- who, what, when, where, why, and how:

What would you like to find out about your topic? What questions do you have? What are your learning issues?

II. Devise Strategy - create a flexible search plan, list key words/names

If you're researching a particular topic, such as "medicating school children who have ADHD", then you need to list as many synonyms and related key words as possible. Use the list of words to create multiple combinations with the word AND in order to have a successful search:

• adhd, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, add, attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity
• children, school children, students, boys, males, adolescents
• medicating, medication, overmedicating, drugs, Ritalin

So...what's the difference between KEYWORD v. SUBJECT searching?

• Keyword search = to combine key words or for more specific search; finds items that contain your keywords
• Subject search = for broad search or when you know terminology; finds items that are about that topic

TIPS:

• Use symbols such as the * at the end of key words to pick up alternate endings. (medicat* = medicate, medicated, etc.)
• Use keyword and subject searching together: start with a keyword search, find an item that's relevant, then look for subject headings within item descriptions and work those subject words into your search strategy.
  

III. Search Sources

A. REFERENCE sources - Looking for background information or facts?

Online databases require a login from off-campus.You can get login info HERE. (What does the login page look like?)

Online databases	Screen captures - clickable!
Biography Resource Center - search for names or choose Advanced to search for keywords and phrases
CQ Researcher Provides in-depth reports on social issues!
Opposing Viewpoints Access a variety of sources: viewpoints, reference, articles on a wide range of controversial issues.
Gale Virtual Reference Library Gives reference material for many subject areas, including education.

B. BOOKS, VIDEOS, other items - Looking for in-depth information?

QuickSearch Books & Media (Catalog)

By: Keyword Title Author Subject Call Number Search for:

• Remember the old timey Card Catalog? There were 3 ways you could search it: Author, Title, SUBJECT
• With the online Catalog, start with a Keyword, then look for Subject headings.

A few Subject headings (just copy & paste into box!) you can use to search By Subject:

• United States No Child Left Behind Act of 2001
• educational accountability
• educational equalization
• attention deficit disordered children--education
• pediatric psychopharmacology
• child psychotherapy
• physical fitness for children
• children--nutrition
• child development
• head start program

• NetLibrary (eBooks)
• How to check out books & eBooks

C. ARTICLES - Looking for current information or need to highlight a specific issue?

Online databases require a login from off-campus.You can get login info HERE. (What does the login page look like?)

• Academic Search Complete - articles on all topics from magazines, journals, newspapers.
  
  
  
  
• ProQuest Education Journals - articles on education from magazines & journals
  
  
  
  
• NewsBank - search the Express-News, Texas Newspapers, or World newspapers for regional info on edu issues
  
  
  
  
  
• More databases... including Lexis-Nexis for legal issues/laws, Business Source Complete for articles on business people, History Resource Center for all things history, and Historical Newspapers: NY Times for articles back to 1851!

NOTE: If the full-text of the article isn't available online use the Journal Locator. Just type in the periodical title to see if SAC Library owns a paper copy or if another database offers full-text.

D. FREE WEB SITES

• Education Web Guide - by Celita DeArmond, SAC Librarian

IV. Evaluate and Cite your sources