Research Guides: SFCE 328W: Sources for Topic Ideas

Exploring Topics

Your research and writing will be more enjoyable if you find a topic that you are especially interested in and/or a topic that is meaningful to your career goals. You can use education news periodicals and reference sources to browse for topic ideas and get background information that will help you choose a topic. On this page you will find:

Links to sources with current news related to education topics.
Links to online reference works
Information on print reference works at the EMU library.

The Opposing Viewpoints database offers a page with current education topics. The Viewpoints essays will give you some quick background info that might help you find a topic of high interest to you.

Reference works such as the Encyclopedia of Diversity in Education can give you background information and an overview of topic areas. The essays in reference works may mention specific aspects of that topic area that might help you narrow the focus of your topic.

Education News

The Atlantic - Education
Education Next
Education Week
NPR Ed
News stories from National Public Radio cover both K-12 and higher ed.

Electronic Reference Sources

Opposing ViewPoints This link opens in a new window
Use the link Browse Issues to get a list of topics you can scan. There are many education topics on the list.

VUE Topics - Voices in Urban Education
Articles on topics relevant for urban education, such as assessment, college readiness, early childhood education, English language learners, equity, expanded learning time, family & community engagement, non-cognitive learning, school discipline, smart districts, standards-based reform, teachers unions, youth organizing, etc.

Encyclopedia of the Social and Cultural Foundations of Education
Call Number: REF LB 17 .E53 2009
Publication Date: 2008
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the social and cultural foundations of education. Tip: If you want to browse use the Readers Guide tab.
Encyclopedia of Diversity in Education by James A. Banks (Editor)
Publication Date: 2012
Covers diversity issues, including race, class, gender, religion, language, exceptionality, and the global dimensions of diversity as they relate to education. Search by keyword or use the "Reader's Guide" to browse by topic.
Encyclopedia of Education
Publication Date: 2003
Tip: This isn't easy to browse, but you can use the search box to find entries on topics.
Sociology of Education by James Ainsworth (Editor)
Publication Date: 2013
Introduces students to the social constructions of our educational systems and their many players, including students and their peers, teachers, parents, the broader community, politicians and policy makers. The roles of schools, the social processes governing schooling, and impacts on society are all critically explored. Search by keyword or use the "Reader's Guide" to browse by topic.
SAGE Handbook of Education for Citizenship and Democracy by James Arthur (Editor); Ian Davies (Editor); Carole Hahn (Editor)
Publication Date: 2008

Print Reference Sources at the EMU Library

Youth, Education, and Sexualities by James T. Sears
Call Number: REF LC 192.6 .Y68 2005
Publication Date: 2005
Topics include: gender roles, AIDS and HIV education, teen pregnancy, rural youth, prostitution, mental health, race and racism, counseling, gender roles, identity development, discrimination, anti-bias curriculum, children of LGBT parents, film, homophobia, legal issues, various ethnic groups, prejudice, religion, stereotypes, social class, college youth, and youth culture.