Start with locating background information. Reliable sources of background information include reference sources and books that can define terms, describe theories, or provide basic data about an issue.
Creating a strategy: Brainstorm concepts and terms connected to your topic and jot them down. To form an effective search strategy, you'll break your concept into keywords and phrases. Consider one or more of the following questions to come up with terms and to narrow your topic.
What: What is the nature of your topic? Is it an issue with various viewpoints?
Who: Who are the groups or individuals involved in/affected by this topic?
Where: Is the topic limited to or reflective of a specific region? Is it national or global?
When: When did the topic become an issue? When did it start being addressed?
Why: What caused the topic? Why is it an issue in the field of education?
How: How is this topic addressed/solved/treated? How is it viewed by different or competing groups?
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