Active learning ideas
Literature Review and Methodology Design is the 'engine room' of the ISP. Students learn to navigate academic databases to find credible sources and, more importantly, to synthesize these sources into a coherent conversation. This isn't just a summary; it's a critical evaluation of the existing 'knowledge landscape.' This aligns with SEAB KI AO2 and the ISP requirement for a critical review of literature. Students must identify gaps in current knowledge and justify why their chosen methodology is the best way to address their question.
Activity 01
Groups are given five diverse sources on a single topic (e.g., a blog post, a peer-reviewed journal, a news article). They must map out the 'conversation' between these sources, identifying where they agree, disagree, and what 'knowledge gaps' remain.
How do we evaluate the credibility of academic sources?
Activity 02
Students play the role of a researcher pitching their methodology to a 'grant committee' (their peers). They must justify why their chosen method (e.g., discourse analysis) is more appropriate for their KI question than an alternative method.
What methodology best suits our research question?
Activity 03
Display examples of 'summary-style' vs. 'synthesis-style' literature reviews. Students move around with highlighters to identify the 'connective tissue', the phrases that show how the researcher is linking different authors' ideas together.
How do we synthesize different perspectives in a literature review?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
A literature review is just a series of book summaries.
Students often write 'Author A says X, Author B says Y.' Active 'Source Mapping' helps them see that a review should be a 'thematic' synthesis, where they group authors by their arguments and show the relationship between them.
I should only include sources that agree with my thesis.
Students often fall into confirmation bias. Through the 'Methodology Pitch,' they learn that a high-scoring ISP must engage with 'counter-arguments' and diverse perspectives to demonstrate a balanced and critical inquiry.
Methods used in this brief
Formulating the Research Question
Guide students in identifying a viable, epistemologically focused research question for their Independent Study Project. Emphasize the transition from a broad topic to a focused inquiry.
8 methodologies
Data Analysis and Epistemological Evaluation
Focus on analyzing collected data or arguments and evaluating the findings through an epistemological lens. Students will identify the limitations of their own research.
8 methodologies
Drafting and Defending the ISP
Prepare students for the final drafting of their ISP paper and the oral defense of their research. Focus on constructing coherent arguments and responding to critical feedback.
8 methodologies