ACTION RESEARCH

Mills, G. E. (2003). Action Research: A guide for the teacher researcher, 2nd ed. Columbus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall.

Writing Up Review of Related Literature

Write an Action Research Paper!

Why?

• The process of writing requires the writer to clarify meaning.

• The act of putting information on paper for your peers and teachers necessitates honesty, accuracy, clarity, and thought.

• Research, once written, can be shared with a wider audience.

Review of Related Literature:

• Search for others’ theories and research on your topic.

• Give your paper a Theoretical Framework of theories that support your study.

• Review Research Studies that have been done by others that pertain to your study.

What is the difference between Theory and Research?

“It is theory that decides

what can be observed”

(Albert Einstein, Retrieved March 01, 2009).

What can be observed can be supported and demonstrated through research.

- Florencia Montes, María Patricia Botero, and Tracy Pechthalt (2009)

Steps for creating a goodTheoretical Framework

Based on your Area of Focus …

1. Search for Theories of other people that relate to your area of focus.

2. Summarize the theories as they relate to your area of focus.

Search & Summarize TheoriesFind information on theories/theorists

related to your topic from:Friends, teachers, experts, the internet, books, journal

articles, textbooks

Record the References in APA format (see Worksheet for References)

Summarize them…

• Read the Theories of others.

• Record the reference information.• Summarize each theory as it relates to

your topic (see Theory worksheet)

Worksheet for References

Ovando, C. J., & Collier, V. P. (1998). Bilingual and ESL classrooms: Teaching in multicultural contexts. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.

• Copy the references exactly from left to right from the Reference Worksheet onto your reference page. (Make sure that you copy every comma, period, etc.)

• Use your computer to make a hanging indent, and put the references into alphabetical order.

• Any missing information is not included.

Theories Summary Worksheet

Steps for creating a goodReview of Research

Based on your area of focus…

1. Search for Research Articles done by others on your topic

2. Form a Literature Matrix to find important themes/variables

1. Search for Research Articles

Find related research articles in journals, EBSCO, ERIC and others.

Summarize them…

•Read and summarize the importance of each study. (see summary worksheet)

•Be sure to include answers to the following questions:

Who did the research? (Author, year of publication) What was the research study about? What did the researcher DO? When, where, about whom was the study performed?Why was the research done?What were the findings & conclusions of the study?

Literature Review Summary Worksheet

Sample: Literature Review Summary Worksheet

Geier R. & Blumenfeld P. (2007) pp. 922-939Standardized test outcomes for students engaged in inquiry-based science curricula in the context of urban reform

Describe Study (who, what, when, where)

Two cohorts of 7th and 8th graders that participated in the project units are compared with the remainder of the district population, using results from the high-stakes state standardized test in science.

Purpose of Study (why)

The purpose of the study was to examine the effort of one component of a systemic reform effort in the Detroit Public Schools, and was centered on highly specified and developed project-based inquiry science units supported by aligned professional development and learning technologies.

Findings Both the initial and scaled up cohorts show increases in science content understanding and process skills over their peers, and significantly higher pass rates on the statewide test. Examination of results by gender reveals that the curriculum effort succeeds in reducing the gender gap in achievement experienced by urban African-American boys

Optional: Other/Quote

2. Make a Literature Matrix

Make a Literature Matrix with all of the research studies you found

• Write the authors & titles down the first column.

• Write variables that are considered in the studies across the top. (Start with the main variables, and then continue adding if new ones arise.)

Look for patterns…•Choose your strongest/most important variables.

•Summarize their importance.

Author (s) and title Year Elementary School

Sociocultural patterns &

songs (rules of

intonation)

English as L2

Songs or music

included directly in

the curriculum or lesson

plans

Repetition or

improvisation as tools for learning

Lg. patterns

Improvement Of the

four skills

Music & the brain

Lg. reading

proficiency

v.s. Early

training on music

Music & kinesthetic learning

Literature Review Matrix

Suk Mei Lo, Regina. Chi Fai Li, Henry. “Songs Enhance Learner Involvement Materials Development”

1998

1. Write the authors & titles down the first column.

2. Write variables that are considered in the studies across the top. (Start with the main variables, and then continue adding if new ones arise.)

Literature Review MatrixAuthor (s) and title Year Elementary

School Sociocultural patterns &

songs (rules of

intonation)

English as L2

Songs or music



plans

Repetition or


Lg. patterns

Improvement Of the

four skills

Music & the brain

Lg. reading

proficiency

v.s. Early

training on music



1998

Blodget, Tom.” Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater: the indispensable role of memorization in Language Acquisition”

2004 X X X X X

Danielson, Elaine. “The importance of nursery rhymes”

2000 X X X X X

3. Mark and X under the variables that were considered in each study.

Condis, Pat and others, “Enhancing Vocabulary and Language Using Multiple Intelligences.”

2000 X X X X X

Sirinides, Thomas, W. “Spirituals: A Historical and Linguistic Analysis.”

1997 X X

Zimmermann, Lynne S. “A Descriptive Study of the Relationship between Language Reading Proficiency and the Age at Which Music Lessons Are Begun”

2006

X

X

X

X



songs (rules of

intonation)

English as L2

Songs or music



plans

Repetition or


Lg. patterns

Improvement Of the

four skills

Music & the brain

Lg. reading

proficiency

v.s. Early

training on music



1998


2004 X X X X X


2000 X X X X X

Soh, Yong-Kian and others. “Chinese Language and culture curriculum and student Activity book”

1995 X X X

N.A. “3...2...1...Liftoff!: An Educator's Guide with Activities in Science, Mathematics, Technology, and Language Arts.”

2002 X X X X X X

Look For Patterns

• Look at Matrix: What patterns are there? – What variables are considered by most/few

studies?– Which studies considered each variable?

Look at Year of Studies Which studies came first for that variable? Which followed?



songs (rules of

intonation)

English as L2

Songs or music



plans

Repetition or


Lg. patterns


1998


2004 X X X X


2000 X X X X


1995 X X X


2002 X X X X X

Variable Summaries• Quickly write 1-2 sentences about the

importance of each variable based on all the research studies regarding that variable.

• This will help you later with your introduction to that variable within your review of related literature.



songs (rules of

intonation)

English as L2

Songs or music



plans

Repetition or


Lg. patterns


1998


2004 X X X X


2000 X X X X


1995 X X X


2002 X X X X X

Steps for WritingReview of Related LiteratureBased on your Area of Focus …

1. Make a Cluster Diagram of theories and research read, based on the most important variables from your Literature Matrix.

2. Outline the paper.

3. Draft the paper from your outline.

4. Review, revise, edit.

5. Add Reference Page (APA format).

6. Check citations, references, format.

1. Make a Cluster Diagram

Area of Focus

Variable Variable

Variable Variable

a) Gather your Theory Summaries, Research Study Summaries, Variable Summaries, & Literature Matrix

b) Choose the most important common variables from your literature matrix.

c) Put your area of focus in the center, and then attach the

variables extending out.

d) Attach the theories, studies and details to the appropriate variable.

detail

Theory

detail

Theory

detail

Theory

Area of Focus

Variable Variable

Variable Variable

detaildetail

Research 1Research 2

detail

detail detail

detail


detail

detail detail

detail


detail

detail detail


detail detaildetail

2. Write the Outline

a) Make each variable a sub topic in your outline. • The variable summary becomes the

introduction to the sub-topic.

I. Sub-topic: Emotions in Learning

Summary: Studies of emotions in sports performance are very valuable and applicable to how emotions influence learning.

b) Under each sub-topic…

• Outline a theory related to the sub-topic (include its citation) from your theory summaries.

• Outline each research study related to the sub-topic (include its citation) from your research review summaries.

(see example)

I. Sub-topic: Emotions in LearningStudies of emotions in sports performance are very valuable and applicable to

how emotions influence learning.

A. Theory: Zull (2002) 1. Background: We build neural networks on the physical experience

of living2. Background: Emotion influences motivation, attitude and

behavior in the teacher-learner relationship.

B. Study: Glaser-Zikuda, Fu’, Laukenmann, Metz, and Randler (2005)A. Background/What: Used the Emotional and Cognitive Aspects of

Learning approach (ECOLE) B. Background/Who: Classroom interventions with 8th and 9th

graders when implementing a student centered instruction that increased positive emotions and avoided negative ones. 1. goal orientation2. Appraisals3. differentiation, etc.

1. Found: Students had more positive emotions and hence greater engagement and learning.

3. Draft the Paper

• Review, analyze and synthesize important theories and previous research studies regarding the topic.

o Compare/Contrast theories/studieso Note which studies are newer/older to see changing trendso Include correct APA citation

• Be organized by theme.

• Inform and support the importance of the theme/variable to the theory & previous research, and then to your own research.

• Written mostly in 3rd person, past tense (what did, theorized and/or found,)

From your outline, write the first draft of your Review of Related Literature It should…

a) Each sub-topic is a new section of the body of the paper.

• Write your first sub-topic in italics. • On the next line, introduce the sub-topic with the

variable summary sentence.

b) Support the sub-topic with paragraphs about the theories and research from your outline.

c) Conclude the section with a sentence (or more) summarizing the importance of the sub-topic.

(see example)

Begin with the BODY of the paper…

Variable & summary

The

orie

s to

sup

port

Research to support

Emotions in LearningStudies of emotions in sports performance are very valuable and applicable to how

emotions influence learning. Jones’ (2003) theories are supported by others like

Lazarus and Deci (as cited in Lazarus, 1995) who believe that … This is why

emotions can affect learning directly or indirectly, in a positive or negative way,

and they may respond to stimuli consciously or subconsciously.

According to Zull (2002), we build neural networks on the physical

experience of living. This means… In education, this influence may come from...

In one of his theories he states that emotion influences motivation, attitude and

behavior in the teacher-learner relationship… Glaser-Zikuda, Fu’, Laukenmann,

Metz, and Randler (2005), research supports this theory. The researchers used the

Emotional and Cognitive Aspects of Learning approach (ECOLE) during

classroom interventions with 8th and 9th graders along with a student centered

strategies (such as goal orientation, appraisals, differentiation, etc.) that increased

positive emotions and avoided negative ones. In their study, they found that by

using this method, students had more positive emotions, and hence, greater

engagement and learning.

Conclusion summarizing importance of sub-topic

next sub-topic

…These studies are important to the research because they

broadened the spectrum of influence of emotions and their close entanglement with the brain. It is not only because the way we feel affects the brain and the way we think affects the body, it is also a matter of understanding that other environmental and social factors may be of influence, but most importantly, may be manipulated to achieve better results in the learning and concentration of the students.

Control StrategiesThe ultimate objective of the emotional control strategies is developing emotional intelligence. …

Transitions when you compare/contrast

Hogue, A. (2003). The essentials of English: A writer’s handbook. NY: Longman

Begin outlining the first paragraph…

Include:– A clever “hook”– State Area of Focus– Introduce variables & connect them to Area

of Focus

Add the Introduction…Tell the readers what you are going to tell them…

First paragraph

Hook- something to make your readers want to read your analysis (short account of an important moment that made you interested).

Example: I have often wondered why students resist writing a literature review as though they were being pushed to walk the dry, hot Sahara desert barefoot.

First (or Second) Paragraph

State your Area of Focus or research question.

Example: Due to the confusions I had in my practice, I decided to study the following question: What are the areas of resistance to writing a literature review and what instructional activities help students move along the process?

Second (or Third) Paragraph

Introduces the general variables that are related to the area of focus and the general conclusions that have been identified in the research literature.

Example: I found four areas of study on this subject. • Theories that support… are…• Some studies analyzed the role of…• Other studies focused on the effects of…• Yet others looked at the importance of…• Lastly another group of studies analyzed how…

Review of Related Literature

This review will explain the physiological side of emotions based

primarily on Zull’s (2002) theories determined from

comprehensive reviews and empirical evidence from other

studies. Following the physiological understanding, it is

important to view the emotional organization the brain

establishes, Bower (1992). Subsequently the influence of

emotions in learning will be clarified, and will present strategies

that help control emotional outbursts. Finally the review will

explain the specific strategy implemented in the actual action

research project.

Introduction to RofRLSection of Paper

Theory 1

Theory 2

Variable

Variable

Variable

Variable

Variable

Begin outlining the first paragraph…

Include:– A clever “hook”– State Area of Focus– Introduce variables & connect them to Area

of Focus

Add the Conclusion…

Tell the readers what you told them…

Conclude…

• Summarize the various sub-topics

• Discuss any gaps in the research

• Show how the study you will do fits or

connects with the theories and previous

studies.

Theory and prior research show that… Emotions affect learning,

and the instruction of emotional control strategies are helpful for

students. According to White and Epston (1990) this makes it

easier for people to identify their emotions, problems and the

possible outcomes the “story” can lead to… In the narrative

method, the problem is named, and once named it is externalized

and people are able to see that the problem is having an effect on,

rather than existing in, the person. Although the narrative method

has been used with psychologists, it is not commonly used in

schools. For these reasons, we have chosen to apply the narrative

method in our classroom and study the results of its application.

Conclution to RofRL

Gap

in r

e sea

rch

YOUR research

Themes/sub-topics

Physiological Understanding

Understanding that there is a physical side to emotions makes it more

real and somehow more tangible for the purpose of this study. Zull

(2002) establishes theories…

Emotional Organization

Emotions may be positive or negative, each composed of more

specific and individual characteristics. Each distinctively affects us

physically and psychologically, and leads to emotional outbursts or

reactions. A good way to identify emotions is through Shaver’s

Emotion Hierarchy (as cited in Bower, 1992) (see Figure 1). …

3. Review, Revise and Edit

Read over your paper and have someone else read over your paper.

Look for …a) Cohesion and clarityb) Word choice and sentence structurec) Spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.d) Correct reference to theory and/or research, and

correct citations in APA format.e) Make sure that all citations match a reference on the

reference page and visa versa.

4. Reference Page

• Type references on a separate page.

• Put references in alphabetical order and in APA style formatting.

• Make sure that every citation has a reference and every reference has a citation. Only references that refer to a citation are included

• Check Formatting:– The title References is written on the top center of the

page. – All are double-spaced. References have a hanging indent.

Reference Page

Ovando, C. J., & Collier, V. P. (1998). Bilingual and ESL classrooms: Teaching in multicultural contexts. Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.

• Copy the references exactly from left to right from the Reference Worksheet onto your reference page. (Make sure that you copy every comma, period, etc.)

• Use your computer to make a hanging indent, and put the references into alphabetical order.

• Any missing information is not included.

ACTION RESEARCH

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