This guide will help you find appropriate sources for your written reports in EDUC 281 - specifically, professional journal articles for mathematics instructors. On each page you will find useful guidance and resources that will help you meet the requirements of the assignment.
If you need help with library search tools and resources, just click on the Research Help tab. For other questions about your assignments, consult with your professor.
Understanding the different types of information sources, and the purposes of each, can help you determine whether you should use the information for a research paper. The formats generally fall within 3 main categories: Popular, Trade/Professional and Scholarly. Review the chart below to understand the features of each.
| Source type | Author(s) | Format | Language/vocabulary | Graphics | Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Popular | Sometimes identified; often a journalist | No prescribed format; Length varies | Uses everyday language | Graphics/photos designed to draw interest | General audience |
| Trade/Professional | Usually identified; sometimes have credentials (~Professional) | No prescribed format; length varies | Common language or language of the trade | Graphics/photos designed to draw interest | Those employed in or following the field |
| Scholarly (peer-reviewed) | Always identified; academic credentials usually present | Includes abstract and references; lengthy | Scholarly, formal language | Detailed charts or graphs to show data, research findings | Other scholars; narrow focus |
What type of source is each article? How do you know?
| Popular |
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|---|---|
| Trade/Professional |
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| Scholarly |
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