Searching ERIC

(very basic instructions!)

Choose EBSCO from the library web site. Choose ERIC from the database list on the EBSCO page. (Go directly to ERIC.)

Option One:

Search
- Type words to search in the boxes
- Words together will be searched as a phrase
- Use “and” if words are not a phrase
- Limit search to journals only
Choose a relevant citation
Look at “Descriptors.” Click on appropriate Descriptor. Add other search terms

Option Two:

Search – select Thesaurus button
- Browse for one of your major concepts
  - Select either “term begins with” or
  - “term contains”
- Check box for term or terms that focus on your topic
- Select "and" from drop down box and click "Add" to add this term(s) to your search string
- Do the same process for another major concept if appropriate
- Add the second term to the first by using drop-down box for “and” or “or” and clicking “Add”
Search
Select "Search Options" in right column to limit search to journal articles, peer reviewed, and other limits

A few tips!

Avoid using general terms by themselves (school, teacher, etc.).
Limit your search in ways that will focus the results (educational level, etc) – available in Advanced Search.
If no full text is available online, search for the journal title in the library catalog.
Do not be content with the first list of citations that you get or only full text articles on the computer!
Email search results by using your folder.
Save searches by setting up a Personal Account.
Digests summarizes current research. Search your topic as a major concept and add the word “digest.” Do not limit to journal articles. Then look for recent articles after the date of the digest.
Use * for truncation, administrat* searches for administration, administrator, administrators

GC Home | On Campus