The Literature Review: A Learning Tool

Literature reviews are the source of constant stress among doctoral and master level students and, at the same time, the most popular assignment among instructors. After teaching numerous workshops, webinars, Literature Review Bootcamps, and co-teaching “literature review modules,” I decided to create an interactive web-based learning tool, the Literature Review Design (LRD). You are welcome to use it before the workshop. Access URL:http://libguides.kennesaw.edu/LRDesign During this workshop, I will share with you the information about the tool and demonstrate how it was used as a complementary learning aid to scaffold instruction and within the KSU Interactive Research Method Lab. You will also have a chance to go through 9 steps of designing and conducting a literature review. I expect a lively discussion afterward and constructive feedback! Participants will receive an email with a pdf document with a visual representation of the work done. The tool helps students to build a visual representation of the conceptual framework emerging from critical readings, to narrow down research topics, develop research questions, and pursue other literature review objectives. It also might help researchers in creating non-traditional types of literature reviews such as systematic, scoping, integrative, meta-synthesis, and meta-analysis. The interactive tool help students to change their perception of the role, genre, and methodology behind the scientific literature review and make the process of reviewing literature similar to research. References and Links to tools: Literature Review Design tutorial: http://libguides.kennesaw.edu/LRDesign Interactive Research Methods Lab http://libguides.kennesaw.edu/IRM