Research databases are large collections of journal articles and other academic papers. Some cover lots of subjects (Academic Search Complete and publisher packages such as Wiley or SAGE), and others are more specialist (for example, PsycInfo for psychology or Emerald for leadership and management). Many are included within Library Search but some are not (British Education Index and ERIC being notable examples).
Are you undertaking a Systematic Review methodology or 'systematic literature review'? Recommended databases include British Education Index, ERIC, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete and ProQuest (Education Database - use the 'choose databases' tab to select those you wish to search).
Our Browzine collection offers a great visual way to browse journals in your area, build your own bookshelves, save links to articles, and explore special issues and articles in press. Here is a link to the journals categorised under Education.
There are a few journals and publications which might not be available through Library Search or research databases, including the following:
Subject association memberships and subject-specific journals
We may not have a subject or professional association membership for all curriculum areas because they do not always offer suitable subscription packages to libraries. We prioritise access to resources for all students and staff and preferably off-campus as well as on-campus. However, you may wish to investigate whether you can subscribe as a student or teacher member individually. The Council for Subject Associations directory may be useful.
The University subscribes to many other journals which are relevant to other school subjects, and if the subscription is online these will appear in Library Search results and on the our journal A-Z and Browzine e.g. trainees focusing on art will find the International Journal of Art and Design Education of particular value.
Specific journal titles not available in Library Search
Department for Education (2013) The national curriculum in England: key stages 1 and 2 framework document. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-primary-curriculum (Accessed: 8 August 2022).
Department for Education (2014) The national curriculum in England: Key stages 3 and 4 framework document. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-secondary-curriculum (Accessed: 8 September 2022).
Department for Education (2023) Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2 (Accessed: 21 August 2023).
The University of Bristol's Education Policy and Research Service (EPRS) provide useful document summaries on policy, research and reports related to education and teaching. As a subscriber we can also access their toolkits on thematic summaries and the CCF for trainees. Please email askalibrarian@worc.ac.uk for details (registered University of Worcester staff and students only).
Qualifications and specifications, including Business
These organisations and independent bodies conduct and share research, which informs educational policy and practice.
British Educational Research Association (BERA) focuses on the advancing of knowledge in education and sustains an educational research community. The BERA Blog and the Ethical Guidelines for Educational Research may be of particular interest to students.
Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is “dedicated to breaking the link between family income and educational achievement”. The charity does this by summarising, sharing and generating research-informed evidence on what works for teachers and leaders.
EPPI-Centre develops methods for and conducts systematic reviews in social policy. A range of technical reports and summaries are available on the website.
National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) offers news, opinion, and research for schools and policy-makers.
National Institute of Teaching "will boost the quality of teaching and school leadership by carrying out research, applying the insights to its professional development programmes, and sharing findings with the sector. Our programmes are designed by teachers and leaders who understand the joys and pressures of school life. We work in collaboration with schools across the country, ensuring that our findings benefit all schools, teachers and leaders."
Sutton Trust "champions social mobility through programmes, research and policy influence". Lots of research here related to cost of living, school funding, mental health, access to education and more.
TACTYC - the Association for Professional Development in Early Years - provides research, news, papers and reflections for practitioners through their website, and also their journal, Early Years.
Advance HE has a knowledge hub of resources on topics and themes across higher education.
Chartered College of Teaching works to support teachers and connect them within a research-informed community. Keep up to date through their news and blogs page. Free student membership is available to those on teacher training courses, including those on School Direct and Teach First, plus "those studying in full-time education for a degree in education or on a postgraduate programme related to education". One benefit of membership is access to Impact, a termly publication with articles and information connecting research to classroom practice.
House of Commons Library produces research and provides an impartial information service to MPs and their staff. Find the latest research, briefings and data tools here.
Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) is a charity that provides advice, support and training to parents, carers and professionals who work with children with SEND.
Optimus Knowledge Centres provides some videos and resources relevant to four areas, including leadership, SEN and safeguarding. Please email Ask a librarian for details on how to log in, but please be aware that we do not subscribe to all resources on the website.
Social Care Online is a database from the Social Care Institute of Excellence, including resources relevant to social care and social work.
TED Talks (Education) shares videos and discussions from experts and researchers “exploring the latest thinking on how to build a better school”.
Partnership and Transitions Liaison Librarian
Email Ros
Ask me about how to search effectively, how to evaluate sources for academic study and how to reference your sources. Contact me with any queries about our resources and services for students studying with partner organisations.