Writing Style

Composition

             Novice      5 points

Little or no consistency on writing style and/or corrections of drafts   

   Proficient      8   points

Proofed paper with correct spelling, syntax, grammar

Advance        10 points

Consistent,  correct  use of APA style;  proofed final draft.

Introduction

Identify problem & restate the research question/issue/problem.

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Preview the contents of the review to follow. Explain the criteria used to select studies.

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Refer to the subsection heads in the introduction as sign posts for the reader to know what is coming.

Overview of the Context of Literature

Contextualize this review topic in the field of (educational…) literature by identifying the  key area(s) of literature under analysis.

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Identify the theoretical framework that  this 

 research comes out of or is influenced by.

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Establish writer’s reasons for reviewing the literature.  Describe organization of the review as well as why certain research is excluded.

Literature Review:

Subject Exposition

Use layman terms to describe the  research area, but define and use  jargon or specific terminology where needed.  Use “umbrella” sentences at the  beginning of paragraphs and brief “so what” summary sentences at  appropriate points to aid in  understanding

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Group research studies according to common

 denominators, such as qualitative vs  quantitative approaches, conclusions of authors, sample populations, similar data…

Cite overall patterns/trends.

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Illustrate multiple author views with distinction,  including conflicts in the theory, methodology,  evidence and conclusions or gaps in research or  scholarship. 

Identify the strengths and weaknesses in the research area.

Connections Within/Between the Literature;

Summary

Summarize major contributions of  significant studies and their impact to reinforce the focus

established in the introduction.

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Explain why/ how each of the subsections builds a strong foundation for your research question or /problem/issue… especially if areas aren’t  obviously inter-connected. Use the minimum # required references, meet paper length requirement.

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Provide a strong rationale for transitions from one connection to the other. End with a concluding statement that encompasses research question/issue. Incorporate many appropriate references.

Total: