Choosing a Topic
Developing Your Research Topic Worksheet
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Research Topic WorksheetUse this template to help you brainstorm and refine your research topic.
Picking a Topic
To browse possible topics or get inspired by current events, check out these databases:
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CQ ResearcherCoverage of the most important issues of the day, written by experienced journalists, footnoted and professionally fact-checked. Articles include an overview, historical background, chronology, pro/con feature, and resources for additional research.
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Opposing Viewpoints in Context (OV or OVIC)Pro and con articles on important social, political, and economic issues. Reference articles that provide context, magazines, newspapers, primary source documents, government and organizational statistics, and links.
K-12 Education Topics
Here are some of the current research topics in K-12 education:
- pandemic response
- online learning
- school choice
- school safety
- classroom size
- bullying
- technology
- school funding
- student health
- student attitudes & behaviors
- parent involvement
Higher Education Topics
The following topics are from the 2020 EDUCAUSE Horizon Report™ | Teaching and Learning Edition. This report profiles key trends and emerging technologies and practices shaping the future of teaching and learning and envisions a number of scenarios and implications for that future. Trends are listed by category below:
Social
- Well-Being and Mental Health
- Demographic Changes
- Equity and Fair Practices
Technological
- Artificial Intelligence: Technology Implications
- Next-Generation Digital Learning Environment (NGDLE)
- Analytics and Privacy Questions
Economic
- Cost of Higher Education
- Future of Work and Skills
- Climate Change
Higher Education
- Changes in Student Population
- Alternative Pathways to Education
- Online Education
Political
- Decrease in Higher Education Funding
- Value of Higher Education
- Political Polarization
