The purpose of the literature review is to advance our collective understanding in order to produce good research. (Boote & Beile, 2005). The literature review should clearly define the perspective of the research, indicate what will be studied, and defend the importance of the investigation. Through examining literature, I can more easily understand what has already been researched about my topic and what needs further study. A literature review should be inclusive and current. The analysis of the readings should show that I know the literature of my topic.
The Process I’ve used so far
First I made a list of what interests me in the field of Art Education. I wrote down three different interests and several wonderings about each. I talked to family, friends, and colleagues about the various topics. Through the internet, I searched each topic to determine which subjects had enough information to research and grabbed my interest. I emailed and Skyped with Dr. Delacruz to bounce around ideas and develop a focus. These conversations really helped me define and further my interest in the Design Thinking process. Over the summer, I had spent time with Dr. Roland discussing Design Thinking as a capstone project. I was not completely certain about tackling this topic until going through the first lesson. Most recently, I have been gathering Design Thinking sites and literature in my Scoop.it account, taking lots of notes, perusing through completed capstones, and communicating with colleagues and classmates.
I am feeling more content and confident after deliberating through the wide array of interests and finally coming to a more defined topic. I have a better understanding of the purposes and processes I will be taking on over the rest of this course and into my capstone.
I’ve learned I have several people in which I can depend if I become overwhelmed or frustrated. I’ve also discovered there is a plethora of information on Design Thinking and it is more of a brainstorming process businesses incorporate. The process has actually been around for a while but there is a new interest to incorporate this collaborative effort into the classroom. I am excited to observe the particular behaviors my students will exhibit when I implement this capstone. I believe it is time to allow kids the opportunity to work together to design a way to make life better. I’m not sure of the particular subject I will have them conquer or if I will have them select that on their own. Maybe I should do both and compare? There are still some specific things to think about!
Another new understanding, through a discussion with Dr. Delacruz, is the role of Discovery Learning, Collaborative Learning, and Industrial Design with Design Thinking as well as Social Curriculum. My new understandings are definitely leading to a topic I am very curious and excited about!