This section typically begins with the statement of the problem or something similar, and the description of the big ideas that you have identified as foundational for your study. The section typically ends with an advance planner for what the readers can expect to find in the review of relevant literature. The review of literature is based upon a minimum of fifteen recent (within five years), peer-reviewed studies that relate to each of the topics that will be investigated. It is assigned early in the semester and is one of the final assignments to be submitted, allowing the maximum time for students to complete this lengthy section. The importance of a thorough review of relevant, recent literature cannot be underestimated, as the benefits enable the researcher to design, conduct, and write well about the study.
First Big Topic – Research question: What is the impact of involving students in written explanations of their problem-solving on fifth grade students’ math achievement?
Second Big Topic – What is the impact of involving students in written explanations of their problem-solving on fifth grade students’ perceptions about their understanding of mathematics?
Third Big Topic – What is the impact of involving students in written explanations of their problem-solving on low-achieving students in the fifth grade math classroom?
Conclusion
This section is typically not more than one or two well-developed paragraphs where you draw several conclusions from your review of the research that sets up where you will go with the methods section.