Sources for Questions: Ways to Discover Topics
You should now begin to actively identify potential research problems.
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" Problems confronted in the classroom, the school, or the community lend themselves to investigation. | |
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" Technological changes and curricular developments. | |
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" Prevailing practices to effectively promote learning with non-traditional students. | |
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" Diversity in the classroom/community. | |
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Any of the ones that your groups have chosen. |
Have a Problem
A good research paper topic or problem may be right "under your nose." Many students are current or former workers, trainers, technicians, or other professionals. All students belong to a variety of communities. Think about what you do, or have done, in your job or in your various communities.
What are some of the problems, issues, needs, or goals that confront you on a day-to-day basis? Many of these can evolve into a research project. The problem need not be limited to education and training. Any workplace or community problem, issue, need, or goal is potentially valid.
Now, try to identify two or three "real" problems. Don't be concerned about trying to phrase them as formal research questions. Reflect on your own ideas and jot down some ideas below. An example might be something like: "helping students improve employability skills."
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2. ____________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________
Develop a Problem
Not everyone has, or can identify, an acceptable research problem based on her or his
own work or community experience. Some students need to, or choose to, "make up a
problem." This is a very acceptable approach to selecting a research dilemma.
One way to begin is to simply think about topics in which you have an interest. For example, maybe you are interested in such things as "learning styles" or "acquisition vs learning" or "school violence." The topic may be something you know very little about at the moment.
Potential Ideas for Your Research Thesis
Based on your own introspection and review of the accompanying list of potential research topics, write down several possibilities below.
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