Teachers perceptions of the effects of computer assisted learning on student learning or grades

Teachers perceptions of the effects of computer assisted learning on student learning or grades

Chapter 2 Literature Review This is a key section for demonstrating that you can critically collect, interpret, and evaluate a body of literature. Also, you need to show that you can identify and discuss key issues, key areas of debate, keys areas of consensus, key writers, and gaps in the research in the area. Your literature review must be thematically structured. It should not be structured by author or source. It is a very good idea to base the sub-sections of your literature review on the research questions/hypotheses in you introductions
Using the example: Exploring creativity in the classroom you might use the following sub-headings:
ï‚· Introduction (brief outline of key issues and what you will cover) ï‚· What is meant by creative learning? ï‚· Is there a link between creative learning and achievement? ï‚· Do children enjoy creative learning? ï‚· Are there sufficient opportunities for creative learning in the classroom? ï‚· Conclusions (briefly bringing your findings together)
Purpose of the Literature Review
The purpose of the literature review is to give the reader an understanding of the current thinking on your topic – and particularly current thinking on your research questions – and to provide a contextual yardstick for your findings. In your Discussion chapter you will compare your research findings to the findings in your literature review. 
What is literature?
You must include journal articles/books/research reports. Government documents are also very useful. Be careful about using media and web sources. Sometimes they are useful as enhancements – but do not over use them and check the credibility of the sources. Avoid blogs, tabloid newspapers, Wikipeadia, Simply Psychology etc.
What do we mean by current? You should certainly material produced within the last 5 years. Material that is over ten year old is likely to be considered dated. Sometime you may refer to older literature if it is/was a highly influential piece of research/literature, or if you are showing how things have changed.
How much literature do I need? How long is a piece of string? Your need to show that you can put together a workable set of sources – less than twelve probably won’t be enough – more than twenty-five might make it difficult to discuss your literature in depth.